<unk>  <unk>  is an abscess located in the tissues in the back of the throat behind the posterior pharyngeal wall (the<unk>  space). Because<unk> s typically occur in deep tissue, they are difficult to diagnose by physical examination alone.<unk>  is a relatively uncommon illness, and therefore may not receive early diagnosis in children presenting with stiff neck, malaise, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms listed below. Early diagnosis is key, while a delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to death. Parapharyngeal space communicates with<unk>  space and an infection of<unk>  space can pass down behind the esophagus into the mediastinum.<unk> s can also occur in adults of any age.<unk>  can lead to airway obstruction or sepsis – both life-threatening emergencies. Fatalities normally occur from patients not receiving treatment immediately and suffocating prior to knowing that anything serious was wrong.
Retropharyngeal abscess
Pharyngitis
Parapharyngeal abscess
Streptococcal pharyngitis
Laryngeal cyst
Peritonsillar abscess
Epiglottitis
Nasopharyngeal cyst