Phlegmon Flashcards
What is phlegmon?
Phlegmon is an acute suppurative infection occurring between the muscle and Couli and spreads to the surrounding suddenly.
How is phlegmon similar to other conditions?
It is similar to suppurative cellulitis in Western medicine.
Describe Primary Phlegmon
Non-headed, red swelling, centre is clear, lighter colour, vague margin + burning pain
What are the clinical manifestations of Primary Phlegmon in days 3-5?
Center becomes brownsih, starts to ulcerate, w/ general S/sx
What characterizes Secondary Phlegmon?
History of carbuncle + gangrene
What is the etiology + pathogenesis of Throat Phlegmon?
Mostly caused by the invasion of wind-warm toxins into the lung and stomach – heat accumulation with
phlegm
Residual toxins from measles – combines with phlegm-heat
Weak constitution, mouth, gum or throat ulceration –infected by toxins
What are the stages + S/sx of Throat Phlegmon?
Initial stage-
Generally, occur in children
Redness and swelling at the laryngeal prominence area (Adam’s apple),
diffuse root, hard, burning pain, acute onset
In 2-3 days, swelling may spread to both sides of the neck, or even to the
cheek or chest
Accompanied by the general S&S such as high fever, big thirst, headache,
rigid neck, dry stool, scanty-dark urine, dark T: red w/ yellow-greasy coating
P: wiry-slippery-rapid or surging-rapid
Suppuration stage-
Swelling starts to reduce and becomes softer
After rupture-
Yellow-thick pus, fever and swelling relieves
What are the Etiology & Pathogenesis of Hip Phlegmon?
Mostly caused by the accumulation of damp-heat with fire toxins
Toxin pathogens infection during intramuscular injection
Developed from boils in local areas
What are the stages + S/sx of Hip Phlegmon?
Acute Onset-
Usually occurs on one side, pain, swelling, redness, burning sensation, obvious center,
surrounding is lighter in color, it diffuses gradually with vague margin
Skin become wet and uncreative in 2-3 days, the color is dark, may or may not be ulcerative
Accompanied by general S&S such as chills, fever, poor appetite, soreness and ache of
bones and joints
Pus is formed in one week, healing take about one month
T: yellow-greasy coating
P: wiry-slippery-rapid
Slow onset-
Swelling develops slowly, no skin discoloration, no significant redness and hotness, the Slow swelling is hard, painful, the diseased leg has difficulty to walk
No significant general S&S
The other 2types of phlegmon?
Hand and Foot
The following are S/sx of Phlegmon due to _____________?
It is mostly seen in hand phlegmon, manifested by red swelling, burning pain with vague margin, accompanied w/ fever and chills, headache, body ache
T: Red w/ thin-yellow coating
P: Floating + Rapid
Wind-fire + Internal
heat
The following are S/sx of Phlegmon due to _____________?
It is mostly seen in hip and foot phlegmon, manifested by red swelling and burning pain in local areas, redness
with vague margin, wet and ulcerative skin, accompanied by general S&S such as chills, headache, ache in the bones, poor appetite, dark urine
T: red, yellow-greasy coating
P: slippery-rapid
Damp-Heat
The following are S/sx of Phlegmon due to _____________?
Skin and flesh start to desquamate, but ulceration has not been completely eliminated, the wound is slightly
reddish, thin pus, accompanied by general S&S such as sallow complexion, lassitude, poor appetite
T: pale w/ teeth marks
P: Thready + Feeble
Qi + Blood Xu
Main points to treat Phlegmon due to Wind-Fire + Internal Heat
LI4, LI11, LU5, SJ5, GB21, BL12, DU14
Main points to treat Phlegmon due to Damp-Heat
GB43, BL40, ST41, SP6, LR2
Main points to treat Phlegmon due to Qi
+ Blood Xu
BL20, BL21, Ren6, ST36, LI4, LR3
