Retro/para pharyngeal cellulitis or abscess
Often polymicrobial from oral flora including: S. pyogenes, S. viridans, anaerobes, Fusobacterium spp., MSSA/MRSA
Clindamycin 30 mg/kg/day PO/IV div q8h (max 600mg/dose)¹
Empiric Therapy & Alternative Regimens
Duration of Therapy & Clinical Pearls
Consult ENT, often requires surgical drainage or debridement.
Retropharyngeal abscess – The retropharyngeal space sits anterior to a potential space (“danger zone”) connecting to mediastinum. Retropharygneal infections can spread via this space to cause mediastinitis.
Parapharyngeal abscess – infections within the parapharyngeal space typically arise as spread of infections from contiguous infections – periodontal disease, peritonsillar or retropharyngeal cellulitis/abscess.
Length of Therapy (IV + PO):
10-14 days³