A Clinical Study of Deep Neck Abscesses

ABSTRACT

Background: Deep neck space infection is common clinical entity seen in ENT practice. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment can help in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Methods: This study was conducted in the department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, SMGS Hospital, Government Medical College Jammu for a period of 2 years w. e.f August 2017 to August 2019. 50 patients presenting with symptoms of throat pain, dysphagia, odynophagia, fever, neck swelling, trismus, halitosis and change in voice were included. Only clinically and radiologically confirmed cases of deep neck space infections of all age groups and both the sexes were included in the study. Needle aspiration or incision and drainage was done at the earliest stage in majority of patients. Pus was sent for culture and sensitivity analysis. All the patients were started on antibiotics, supportive therapy in the form of intravenous fluids, analgesics, antipyretics, mouthwashes were given. Results: Out of 50 patients, highest incidence was noted in 31-40 years age group accounting for 24% patients with male female ratio of 1.27 1. In the present study the most common presenting complaint was painful swallowing (odynophagia) seen in 48(96%) patients followed by fever seen in 46(92%) patients, trismus, pain throat, neck swelling, neck pain, difficulty in breathing., dental pain, bad breath. The most common cause was dental infection in 24(48%) patients followed by salivary gland infection in 11(22%) patients, recurrent tonsillitis was seen in 9(18%) patients. The most common infection was ludwig’s angina seen in 28 patients (56%) patients followed by peritonsillar abscess seen in 10(20%) patients. Conclusion: Since most of the infections are dental in origin, patient education regarding oral and dental hygiene needs to be stressed