What is Abscess?
An abscess is a localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling (inflammation).
Alternative names
Causes
Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it. White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances. Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by infectious organisms, parasites, a...
What is Abscess?
An abscess is a localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling (inflammation).
Causes
Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it. White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances.
Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by infectious organisms, parasites, and foreign substances. Abscesses in the skin can be easily seen, and are red, raised, and painful. Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious, but if they may cause significant organ damage.
Specific type of abscesses:
Exams and Tests
Often, a sample of fluid will be taken from the abscess and tested to see what organism is causing the problem.
Treatments
Treatment varies, but often requires antibiotics.
When to contact a medical professional
Call your health care provider if you think that you may have any type of abscess.
Prevention
Prevention of abscesses depends on where they may develop. For example, good hygiene can help prevent skin abscesses. Dental hygiene and routine care will prevent dental abscesses.
References
Meislin HW, Guio JA. Soft tissue infections. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 135.
Guss DA. Liver and biliary tract. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 89.
Lavoie FW, Saucier JR. Central nervous system infections. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 107.
Singer JI, Gebhart ME. Sore throat. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 31.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: .8/12/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.8/12/2008
Posted On March 5, 2007 10:52:41 PM
Posted On March 31, 2009 02:33:11 AM
Posted On March 14, 2009 04:57:10 PM
Posted On January 31, 2009 12:10:43 PM
Posted On January 30, 2009 12:30:54 PM
Posted On April 30, 2009 01:36:18 PM
Posted On April 30, 2009 01:41:25 PM
Posted On January 31, 2009 10:13:30 PM
Posted On February 4, 2009 07:03:31 PM
Posted On June 20, 2008 10:48:40 AM
Posted On June 19, 2008 11:35:12 AM
Posted On June 25, 2008 05:40:18 PM
Posted On June 25, 2008 08:48:53 PM
Posted On October 22, 2008 01:07:14 PM
