Parapharyngeal Abscess

Parapharyngeal abscess is infection of the parapharyngeal space (from tonsillitis/dental/salivary), presenting with fever, trismus, neck swelling/pain, muffled voice, and risk of carotid-jugular involvement/mediastinitis/airway compromise. Treatment: secure airway; IV broad-spectrum antibiotics (cover oral anaerobes/staph/strep); urgent drainage (transcervical, rarely transoral); cultures; CT/MRI to define; monitor for carotid rupture/jugular thrombosis; ENT/Head-Neck surgery.

Common Symptoms

Fever; trismus; neck swelling/pain; muffled voice; risk of vascular complications

Causes and Pathogenesis

Tonsillar/dental/salivary infection spreads to parapharyngeal space, forming abscess.

Treatment

Airway; IV antibiotics; urgent drainage; cultures; monitor vascular/mediastinal complications

Preventive Measures

Treat tonsillitis/dental/salivary infection promptly.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ENT/Head-Neck-Surgery-Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.