DISEASE ABSCESS Bacterial Infection

DISEASE ABSCESS

DEFINITION
An abscess is a collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

If bacteria are infiltrated into the healthy tissue, there will be an infection.
Most of the cells die and disintegrate, leaving a cavity that contains tissues and cells are infected.
White blood cells which is the body's defense against infection, moving into the cavity and after ingesting the bacteria, white blood cells will die.
Dead white blood cells thus form pus, which fills the cavity.

As a result of this pus, then the surrounding tissue will be encouraged.
Tissue eventually grows around the abscess and a dividing wall abscess: this is the body's mechanism to prevent further spread of infection.
If an abscess broke in, then the infection can spread in the body or under the skin surface, depending on the location of the abscess.

CAUSE
# A bacterial infection can cause abscesses in several ways: bacteria enter the skin due to injuries stemming from non-sterile needle prick
# Bacteria spread from an infection in another part of the body
# Of bacteria that normally live inside the human body and not cause interference, sometimes can lead to abscess formation.

Chances of the formation of an abscess will increase if:
# There is dirt or foreign objects in the area where the infection
# Get the infected areas of poor blood flow
# There are immune system disorders.

Abscesses can form in all parts of the body, including lung, mouth, rectum and muscles.
Abscesses are often found in the skin or just under the skin, especially if it arises in the face.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of an abscess depends on the location and its effect on the function of an organ or nerve.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Palpable warmth
- Swelling
- Redness
- Fever.

An abscess formed just under the skin usually appears as a bump. If the abscess will burst, then the center will be more white bumps on it because the skin is thinner.
An abscess in the body, before the first symptoms often grow to be larger. Abscess is more likely to spread the infection throughout the body.

Diagnosis
Abscesses in the skin or under the skin very easily recognizable, while the abscess in the often difficult to find.
In patients with abscesses, usually blood tests showed increased white blood cell count.

To determine the size and location of the abscess, can be carried out X-ray examination, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.

TREATMENT
An abscess often improves without treatment, the abscess ruptured by itself and its contents.
Sometimes the abscess disappeared slowly because the body destroys the infection and absorb the remnants of the infection. The abscess broke and cannot leave a hard bump.

To relieve pain and speed healing, an abscess can be punctured and the contents removed.

An abscess had no blood flow, so antibiotics are usually futile.
Antibiotics may be given after an abscess dries and this is done to prevent recurrence. Antibiotics are also given if the abscess spread infection to other body parts