Snapshot A 13-year-old boy presents with a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, inability to fully open his mouth, trismus, drooling, and a "hot-potato" voice. Visual inspection of the back of the throat is presented. Introduction Infection of the oropharynx secondary to untreated and/or long-standing tonsilitis Surrounds tonsil and extends onto the soft palate Epidemiology Occurs in children usually ages > 10 years ETIOLOGY Pathogenesis login to view 2 more bullets Presentation Symptoms login to view 4 more bullets Physical exam login to view 6 more bullets Imaging may be helpful in specifically identifying abscess collection, though usually not required for making diagnosis studies Culture login to view 1 more bullet Differential Retropharyngeal abscess Tonsillitis login to view 2 more bullets diagnosis Diagnosis is based primarily on clinical observations Treatment Prevention login to view 1 more bullet Surgical intervention login to view 8 more bullets Complications Respiratory obstruction, difficulty swallowing Prognosis Very good to excellent with early diagnosis and treatment