Neck Abscesses and Deep Neck Infections

Although upper respiratory tract infections are common in children, suppurative extension to the cervical lymph nodes or deep neck structures is uncommon. Knowledge of clinical features of suppurative lymphadenitis of cervical lymph nodes and deep neck infections in children is important because these uncommon infections may be associated with airway compromise or complications due to involvement of contiguous vital structures. Most often these infections are due to gram-positive organisms, however, polymicrobial infections are well described and may alter antimicrobial therapy. Surgical management is often indicated in young children, large abscesses or those complicated by extension to critical structures. Once the source of abscess or deep neck infection is controlled and purulent collections drained, antibiotic therapy can often be transitioned to an oral agent provided there is evidence of clinical improvement.