Retropharyngeal Abscess following an Unusual Penetrating Foreign Body (Blister pack) – An Airway Emergency

Retropharyngeal abscess can be a deadly condition if not treated at the right time. Etiology could be following penetrating foreign body injury and extension of the prevertebral space infection. Retropharyngeal abscess can cause respiratory distress and mortality due to extension of infection to danger space. In this case we present an elderly male with uncontrolled diabetes who developed retropharyngeal abscess following an accidental intake of a blister pack of oral hypoglycemic drug. Blister pack is an unusual cause of retropharyngeal abscess but can be associated in elderly patient with loss of dexterity and difficulty in vision.