Phlegmon of the neck

The causes of staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, anaerobic microflora, as well as the spread of infection from the oral cavity (dental diseases, abscesses caused by sore throat ), thyroid disease and infection as a result of trauma may be the causes of the onset of phlegmon.

Symptoms of phlegmon neck

The phlegmon of the neck manifests itself in different ways, depending on its location and depth of occurrence.

Usually phlegmon are observed on the anterior and lateral surfaces of the neck. On the posterior surface, they occur much less frequently and mostly subcutaneously. Most often on the neck appears submaxillary phlegmon (caused by the spread of infection from the tooth), the first signs of which are an increase in the submandibular salivary gland and lymph nodes. Over time, the inflammatory process spreads to the entire neck and bottom of the mouth, the swelling becomes more dense and painful.

Extensive or external (subcutaneous) phlegmon can easily be detected. On the skin there is a noticeable swelling, reddening, the area of ​​the lesion is painful, palpation feels the accumulation of fluid under the skin, swallowing can be difficult, the body temperature is elevated. The patient's condition is usually of medium severity or severe.

Phlegmon of small size, located deep in the tissues, is more difficult to diagnose, since they are practically not probed, manifestations on the skin are absent. Body temperature in such cases is usually increased slightly, and the general symptoms of intoxication and inflammation are poorly expressed.

Treatment of phlegmon neck

In most cases, with phlegmon, the patient's neck is hospitalized, and surgical intervention is resorted to for treatment.

Conservative treatment of phlegmon ( antibiotic therapy, analgesia, physiotherapy and other methods) is allowed only at the initial stage of the disease. If rapid improvement does not occur, the symptoms progress, and the sizes of phlegmon of the neck increase, the treatment is performed surgically.

The complexity of the operation lies in the fact that in most cases the phlegmon of the neck lies under a layer of soft tissue with a large number of nerve endings and blood vessels, therefore, it is necessary to do incisions with this operation very carefully, with a layered dissection of the tissue.

After the operation, further treatment is carried out using antibiotics, pain medications and other means.