A parapharyngeal abscess is a deep neck abscess. Initial symptoms are similar to tonsilitis and include fever, sore throat, pain when swallowing, and swelling in the neck.

"My sore throat turned out to be strep throat that quickly turned into a parapharyngeal abscess," says The Real co-host, who was diagnosed with epiglottitis When Jeannie Mai makes a commitment ...

The Real co-host turned 42 on Tuesday, and took to Instagram to tell her followers she is 'grateful of the little things', two months after she was diagnosed with a parapharyngeal abscess.