ePainAssist > Face, Mouth and Throat Pain >

Ads by Google

Neck and Back Pain Abscess Tooth Relief for Neck Pain

Cervical Neck Pain Symptoms Tooth Infection Treatment Severe Back Pain Treatment

Neck Abscess: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Home

Remedies, Diagnosis
Reviewed By: Pramod Kerkar, MD, FFARCSI

What is a Neck Abscess?

A neck abscess is condition where there is accumulation of pus due to infection in the spaces present
between the structures of the neck. As the collection of the pus increases, there is expansion of the spaces of
the soft tissue, which push against the structures in the neck, such as tongue, throat, and in more severe
cases, the windpipe or trachea. Neck is a very sensitive area for an abscess to be formed and can become
potentially serious if not treated promptly. Neck abscesses are also known as cervical abscesses or deep neck
infections. A neck abscess can also be a super cial neck abscess, where it is formed in a super cial layer of
the neck; or a deep neck abscess where the abscess is formed in the deeper layers of the neck. A neck
abscess can become serious if left untreated, as if it grows in size, it can compress the trachea or the wind
pipe causing problems with breathing. Treatment of a neck abscess comprises of medications, such as
antibiotics, and drainage of the abscess if needed.

Menu Subscribe ✉ 

1 Conductivity Measurement
All you need to know about conductivity. Get a guide now! mt.com

2 Best Korean Eye Surgery Center - JW Will Make your eyes pretty
We will provide best eye surgery results from "JW" No.1 Eye Surgery Center jwbeauty.net

Types of Neck Abscess

Super cial Neck Abscess: Super cial neck abscesses are the abscesses, which are located on the
super cial layer of the neck, i.e. just below the skin. Super cial neck abscesses commonly form as a result
of cervical lymphadenitis, which is infection in lymph node present in the neck resulting in an abscess.
Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common cause of super cial neck abscess.
Antibiotics are prescribed for treating super cial neck abscess and if they are not resolved by oral
antibiotics then the abscess needs to be drained.

Deep Neck Abscesses: Deep Neck Abscesses are the abscesses, which are formed in the deep layers of
the neck.

Retropharyngeal Abscess: This type of neck abscess is formed at the back of the throat or behind the
pharynx. Retropharyngeal abscess commonly develops after an upper respiratory infection. The cervical
lymph nodes or the lymph nodes present in the neck region become infected and with formation of pus
in them. Young children are more prone to developing retropharyngeal abscesses.

Ludwig's Angina or Submandibular Abscess: This type of neck abscess forms under the tissues of the oor
of the mouth. There is collection of pus under the tongue, which forces the tongue upwards and towards
the back of the throat. This causes problems with breathing and swallowing. Ludwig's angina can
commonly occur in young adults, particularly after a dental infection. It is, however, not common in young
children.

Quinsy Abscess or Peritonsillar Abscess: This type of neck abscess forms beside the tonsils in the tissue
walls, i.e. in the lymph glands present in the back of the throat. Young adults and adolescents are more
susceptible to developing peritonsillar abscesses. Children rarely have them.

Causes of Neck Abscess

The common cause of a neck abscess is a bacterial or viral infection in the neck or head. The neck abscess
can develop during or after infections, such as cold, sinus infection, tonsillitis or ear infection (otitis media).
Worsening of the infection leads to its spreading down into the spaces of the deep tissue in the neck or
posterior to the throat. There is collection of pus, which increases in these spaces resulting in formation of a
mass. In some cases, a neck abscess can develop after an infection or in ammation of a congenital neck
mass, such as thyroglossal duct cyst or a branchial cyst.

Signs & Symptoms of Neck Abscess

Fever.

Throat soreness with redness and swelling is one of the symptoms of neck abscess.

The tongue gets pushed upwards and backwards against the throat.

Yet another symptom of neck abscess is the presence of a bulge in the back of the throat.

Pain/sti ness in the neck.

Chills.

Ear ache.

Body pain.

Di culty in talking, swallowing, or breathing.

Diagnosis of Neck Abscess

Physical examination along with a complete medical history is taken of the patient.

Throat culture is a procedure where a swab is taken from the back of the throat and is observed to
determine the causative organism of the infection which is causing the neck abscess.

Blood tests are done to assess the body's response to infection.

X-ray is a diagnostic test, which produces images of bones, internal tissues and organs and helps in
arriving at the diagnosis.

CT scan is an imaging test, which uses computer and x-rays to generate detailed horizontal or axial
images of the body, including the organs, muscles, bones and fat. This test helps in di erentiating an
abscess from a cyst or a tumor.

Biopsy is a procedure where a sample of the tissue is taken with the help of a needle and sent to lab for
testing to arrive at a diagnosis.

Treatment of Neck Abscess

Treatment of a neck abscess should not be delayed, as neck is a sensitive area and the abscess can compress
the surrounding structures, such as the windpipe and cause many problems. Treatment of a neck abscess
depends on:

The cause of the neck abscess.

Medical history, age and general health of the patient.

Severity of the neck abscess.

Patient's tolerance to certain medications, therapies or procedures.

Prognosis of the neck abscess.

Preference of the patient.

Treatment of Neck Abscess Comprises of:

Medications, such as antibiotics are given to treat the infection. In most of the cases, patient may need to be
hospitalized and intravenous antibiotics are given. Pain killers are also prescribed to relieve pain from the
abscess.

If the abscess does not get resolved with antibiotics, then drainage of the abscess needs to be done. This is
accomplished with a needle and the patient may need to be hospitalized for this procedure. The pus sample
collected from the drainage is sent to laboratory for culture and after the organism, which is causing the
infection is determined, a speci c antibiotic is prescribed accordingly.

Treatment of Neck Abscess by Drainage

Drainage of Super cial Neck Abscess
Draining of a super cial neck abscess is quite a simple procedure and is done under general anesthesia. A
local anesthetic is also injected into the a ected region. The lump, which is caused by the abscess, is then felt
by the doctor to assess the areas, which has the most pus. The doctor then makes an incision in that region
to drain the pus and a drain is then placed through the skin to prevent the pus from accumulating again.
Culture of the pus done to determine the type of bacteria or organism which is causing the infection and
according to the results of the culture, a speci c antibiotic is prescribed to treat the infection.

Complications of Drainage of Super cial Neck Abscess

Complications of drainage of super cial neck abscess comprises of some bleeding. And also there are some
abscesses, which have stula in them (connected to skin) and should be drained and treated with special
antibiotics on a long term basis.
Ads by Google

Neck and Back Pain Relief for Neck Pain

Cervical Neck Pain Symptoms Tooth Infection Treatment

Drainage of Deep Neck Abscess

Drainage of the deep neck abscesses can be done orally, i.e. through the mouth or transcervically, which is
through the neck. Drainage through the oral route is done for abscesses formed in the peritonsillar space
and in speci c cases is done for abscesses formed in the retropharyngeal space. Other than these, all deep
neck abscesses are commonly done through a surgical cut in the neck.

Complications of Drainage of Deep Neck Abscess

It is important to make sure that there is no obstruction in the airway when draining a deep neck abscess. For
this reason, drainage of a deep neck abscess is always done in a hospital, so that emergency airway
management is always available.

Home Remedies for Neck Abscess

Salt is very bene cial in treating an abscess naturally at home. Warm some salt in a pan till it is su ciently
hot, and then place the salt in a clean cloth and wrap around the abscess. The salt helps in absorbing the
excessive pus and water and relieves the in ammation and the heat soothes the pain from abscess.

Pineapple is an e ective home remedy for treating neck abscess. Eating pineapple on a daily basis helps
in curing an abscess naturally at home. Pineapple contains

Bromelain, which helps in controlling in ammation and treating the abscess.

Raw onion is also an e ective home remedy for treating neck abscesses. Onion contains anti-
in ammatory properties. One simple method is placing a slice of raw onion on the abscess and covering it
with a piece of clean cloth. Onion also helps in increasing the blood ow to the abscess thus helping the
abscess to burst easily or make it ready for pricking and draining.

Echinacea contains antibacterial properties and can be an e ective home remedy to get rid of abscess.
Echinacea tea can be made by putting 5 teaspoons of the herb in boiling water and consuming it thrice a
day.

Red clover has many medicinal properties and helps in treating abscesses. Dried owers of red clover
boiled in water can be consumed about couple of times a day for treating an abscess at home.

Application of a paste of turmeric powder and castor oil on the abscesses also help in curing the abscess.

Milk thistle is another owering plant, which has many medicinal properties. Every part of milk thistle
helps in relieving the abscess. The stem of milk thistle can be soaked in water and stewed and consumed.
The root of milk thistle can also be eaten by roasting it in butter or boiling in water. The leaves of milk
thistle can be eaten raw. Milk thistle capsules can also be taken for treating abscess.

Liberal application of aloe vera gel on the abscess is also very bene cial home remedy for treating
abscesses.

Chamomile contains anti-in ammatory and antibacterial properties. Chamomile tea taken 3 to 4 times a
day helps in treating a neck abscess naturally.

Every part of neem tree contains medicinal properties. A paste of neem leaves and water can be liberally
applied on the abscess to relieve it.

Spirulina is rich in proteins, antioxidants and vitamin B. They can also be used in treating abscesses;
however, its use in pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.

Placing a slice of raw potato over the abscess for about 20 minutes helps in drawing the toxins
accumulated in the abscess and thus in relieving the abscess.

It is important to consume a healthy diet and drink lots of water to boost the treatment for abscess.

Ads by Google

Neck and Back Pain Relief for Neck Pain

Cervical Neck Pain Symptoms Tooth Infection Treatment

Written, Edited or Reviewed By: This article does not provide medical advice. See
Pramod Kerkar, MD,FFARCSI disclaimer
Pain Assist Inc.
Last Modi ed On: July 11, 2017

Plastinated Specimens - Human & Lymphadenopathy|Causes|Sympto Best Korean Eye Surgery Center -
Animal Plastination Remedies JW Will Make your eyes pretty
Ad meiwoscience.com epainassist.com Ad jwbeauty.net

Pilonidal Cyst or Pilonidal 7 Gejala Kolesterol Parah Enlarged or Swollen Lymph

Abscess|Causes|Risk... Ad jamkhoalami.com Node|Symptoms|Causes|Treatmen
epainassist.com epainassist.com

You May Also Like

Strep Throat or Group A Streptococcus (GAS): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment,

Remedies
READ MORE >>

Throat Pain Due to Bacterial Pharyngitis: Symptoms, Treatment- Antibiotics

READ MORE >>

Throat Pain Due To Bacterial Laryngitis: Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment-

Antibiotics
READ MORE >>

Croup or Laryngotracheobronchitis: Everything You Need To Know

READ MORE >>

Throat Pain Due To Viral Laryngitis: Types, Symptoms, Prevention, Diagnosis,

Treatment
READ MORE >>

ePainAssist Home View More

Popular Video

Symptom Checker Find A Physician

Health Topics Health News

Videos Slideshows

Recent Post
Is Spina Bi da Fatal?

Is It Normal To Have A Lump In Your Testicle?

What is the Cause of Nocturnal Enuresis (Bedwetting)?

What is Pierre Robin Syndrome & How is it Treated?|Causes, Symptoms of Pierre Robin
Syndrome

What Are Rheumatoid Nodules, Know its Causes, Treatment & Is it A Cause For Concern?

>> More

Most Popular
Travel & Health
What is Traveler's Fever, Know its Symptoms, Causes

Home Remedies
Goodness of Almond Oil To Get Rid of Dark Circles

Addiction & Rehab

How Long Does It Take To Withdraw From Opiates & Tips To Cope With It?

Disability
Disability Bene ts For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!

Healthcare Payer & Provider

Do Insurance Companies Cover Plastic Surgery?

Symptom Checker
Get To Know What Possibly Could Be Causing Your Symptoms!

MEN WOMEN

Subscribe to Free ePainAssist Newsletters

Enter Email Address Subscribe

 I agree to the ePainAssist Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

We'll help you live each day to the healthiest

✉ Enter Your Email Address Join

FOLLOW US DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APPS

Copyright © 2018 ePainAssist | All rights reserved. Contact Us Disclaimer About Us Privacy Policy

Find Physician Shipping Policy Chiropractors

Pain Blog Videos Pain Physicians
Pain Discussion Board Yoga Orthopedic Surgeons
Post A Question Images and Text Policy Neurological Surgeons

Neurologists
Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
Doctors
Physical Medicine and
Rehabitation Specialists

Note: Information provided is not a substitute for physician, hospital or any form of medical care. Consult your medical care
providers for medical advice , treatments and followup.