Deep Neck Infections: Continuing Burden in Developing World

Deep neck infections (DNIs) continue to burden the health care system in developing countries like India. Aim of our study was to determine clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of DNIs, various microorganisms involved in DNIs and their antibiotic sensitivity and to study the outcome of described treatment response. Fifty patients with DNIs were managed at the department of ENT in our hospital from September 2009 to September 2010. There were 29 male (58%) and 21 female (42%) patients with age ranging from 6 months to 75 years. Maximum patients presented in emergency department with complain of neck swelling and pain. Most common abscess encountered was of submandibular region. Odontogenic cause was found to be the most common cause of DNIs. Surgical intervention was required in 39 patients. No major complications were seen. It was observed that the low socioeconomic status along with illiteracy and lack of adequate management of early infection at primary health care level lead to prevalence of these infections in developing countries like ours.