Abscess Flashcards
Define Abscess?
A painful collection of pus, usually caused by bacterial infection
Where can Abscess develop?
Anywhere in the body
What are the two main types of Abscesses?
Skin Abscess
Internal Abscess
What is the aetiology of Abscess?
Bacterial infection leads to activation of an immune response and recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection
As the white cells attack the bacteria, surrounding tissue is damaged creating a cavity which fills with pus to form an abscess
What is pus?
A mixture of dead tissue + white cells + bacteria
What is the epidemiology of Abscess?
Skin Abscess are relatively common
IV drug use is a major risk factor for skin Abscesses
Internal Abscesses are less common
What are the presenting symptoms and signs of Abscess?
Swollen, pus-filled lump under the surface of the skin with associated fever and chills
Internal abscesses are not visible
What are Internal Abscesses characterised by?
Pain in the affected area (or referred pain)
Swinging fevers
Malaise
What investigations would you do for Abscesses?
US - can be useful in visualising an abscess
What is the management plan for Abscesses?
Some small skin abscesses may disappear by themselves
Incision and drainage
Antibiotics (alongside incision and drainage)
What happens with Incision and Drainage to do with Abscess?
Before doing this, check to see whether a foreign object is causing the abscess (e.g. needle fragments in IV drug users)
The abscess is cut open and drained of pus
What are the possible complications of Abscesses?
Recurrence
What is the prognosis for patients with Abscesses?
Good with treatment
