Neck Abscess

A neck abscess is a collection of pus from an infection in spaces between the structures of the neck. As the amount of pus increases, the soft tissue spaces expand and push against the structures in the neck, such as the throat, tongue, and, in extreme cases, the trachea (windpipe). Neck abscesses are sometimes called cervical abscesses or deep neck infections.

There are several types of neck abscesses that are found in children, including the following:

• Retropharyngeal abscess. An abscess that forms behind the pharynx (back of the throat) often following an upper respiratory infection. In children, the lymph nodes in this area can become infected and break down, forming pus. Retropharyngeal abscesses are most common in young children, because these lymph nodes atrophy (get smaller) by the time a child reaches puberty.
• Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy abscess). An abscess that forms in the tissue walls beside the tonsils (the lymph organs in the back of the throat). Peritonsillar abscesses are most common in adolescents and young adults and are rarely seen in young children.
• Submandibular abscess (Ludwig's angina). An abscess beneath the tissues in the floor of the mouth. Pus collects under the tongue, pushing it upwards and toward the back of the throat, which can cause breathing and swallowing problems. Ludwig's angina is not common in young children but may occur in older adolescents, especially after a dental infection.