Signs and tests
Often a sample of the abscess fluid and make a culture to identify organisms
causing the same. See individual types of abscesses. Most types of abscesses
are treatable.
Situations requiring medical assistance
You should seek medical assistance if the person believed to have some kind of
abscess. You should not take antibiotics if they have not been prescribed by a
doctor.
A dental abscess is
an accumulation of pus, generally caused by a bacterial or parasitic infection.
It can cause fever, chills, shivering, redness and pain in the affected area.
Causes, incidence and risk factors
Abscesses occur when an area is infected tissue and the body is able to
"isolate" the infection and prevent its spread. White blood cells,
which are the body's defence against some types of infection, migrate through
the walls of blood vessels to the area of infection and accumulate within the
damaged tissue. During this process, pus is formed, which is an accumulation of
fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue and bacteria or any other
material or foreign invaders.
Abscesses can form in almost any part of the body and can be caused by
infectious organisms, parasites and foreign material. Abscesses in the skin are
readily visible in red, large and painful, whereas abscesses occurring in other
areas of the body may not be as obvious but can cause much damage if they
undertake vital organs.
Some types of
abscesses:
Amebic liver abscess
Anorectal Abscess
Abscess Bartolina
Brain abscess
Dental abscess
Epidural Abscess
Peritonsillar abscess
Pyogenic liver abscess
Lung Abscess
Skin Abscess
Spinal cord abscess
Subcutaneous abscess
Prevention
Prevention of abscesses depends on location and cause. For example, good
hygiene is important for the prevention of skin abscesses and dental hygiene
and routine care will prevent dental abscesses.
