Chronic abscess

A cold abscess is a form of abscess that is characterized by the absence of obvious signs of inflammation and infection. Unlike a hot abscess, which is usually accompanied by signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, pain, and increased skin temperature, a cold abscess may not have these signs.

It usually represents a limited accumulation of pus within a tissue or organ that is not accompanied by an acute inflammatory reaction. It may be associated with a slow and chronic process in which the infection develops slowly and without marked signs of inflammation.

Chronic abscesses can occur in different parts of the body, including internal organs (e.g. Liver, lungs) or soft tissues. They may be discovered incidentally during an examination or because of symptoms associated with compression of surrounding tissues or organs.

Treatment of chronic abscesses usually involves draining the pus and prescribing antibiotics to treat infection, if present. The exact treatment approach depends on the location and nature of the abscess, as well as the patient's overall condition.

Causes of the chronic abscess

The reasons for developing a chronic abscess can vary, and they depend on the specific situation and the localization of the abscess. Here are some of the common causes that can lead to a chronic abscess:

1. Infection: The main cause of abscesses is infection by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Infection can occur due to wounds, injuries, surgical procedures, weakened immune system or other factors.
2. Organ Diseases: Chronic abscesses can occur in organs such as the liver (liver abscesses), lungs (lung abscesses), kidneys, and others as a result of various diseases or infections.
3. Complications after surgery: After surgical procedures, infection can occur, leading to the development of an abscess. This can happen due to poor hygiene, infected surgical instruments or other factors.
4. Purulent infections: Some purulent infections, such as purulent arthritis (inflammation of the joints), can progress and become chronic if not adequately treated.
5. Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those due to immunodeficiency conditions or chronic diseases, are more susceptible to developing chronic abscesses.
6. Foreign Bodies: Sometimes foreign bodies, such as pieces of wood or metal, can remain in the body after an injury or surgery, which can cause a chronic abscess.

Symptoms of the chronic abscess

The symptoms of a chronic abscess can vary depending on its location, size and duration. A chronic abscess often has less vivid symptoms compared to an acute abscess, but can still cause discomfort and problems. Here are some possible symptoms of a chronic abscess:

1. Localized pain: Pain may be localized to the area of the abscess and may be worse when touching or moving.
2. Swellingand swelling: Swelling and swelling may occur around the site of an abscess, especially if the abscess is close to the surface of the skin.
3. Skin changes: The skin over the abscess may be red, hot, and painful.
4. Pus discharge: In some cases, an abscess may give a discharge of pus through a hole in the skin or mucous membrane.
5. Fever: Chronic abscesses may cause an elevated body temperature (fever), although it is usually lower than in acute abscesses.
6. General malaise: Patients with chronic abscesses may feel general malaise, weakness and fatigue.
7. Organ-related symptoms: If an abscess is inside the body, it can cause symptoms related to the organ in which it is located. For example, a lung abscess can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
8. Symptoms of infection: Depending on which infection caused the abscess, there may also be symptoms of infection such as fever, general weakness, headache, and others.

Chronic lung abscess

This is a condition in which there is an accumulation of pus in the lung for a long period of time (usually weeks, months, or even years). This process is characterized by chronic inflammation and the formation of caverns (cavities) in the lungs filled with pus.

Symptoms of a chronic lung abscess can vary, but often include the following:

1. Cough: A persistent cough can be one of the most common symptoms.
2. Single or multiple cavities: One or more cavities filled with purulent material may form in the lung.
3. Purulent sputum: The patient may produce sputum containing pus.
4. Chest painor discomfort: There is pain or discomfort in the chest, especially on one side, in the area of the abscess.
5. Fever: There may be an increase in body temperature (fever) as a result of an infection.
6. General malaise: The patient may feel general malaise, fatigue and loss of appetite.
7. Breathing difficulties: In some cases, an abscess can cause difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis of a chronic lung abscess involves various examination methods such as chest x-rays, chest computed tomography (CT), bronchoscopy and sputum analysis. These methods help visualize the abscess, determine its location and size, and determine the cause of the abscess.

Treatment for a chronic lung abscess includes antibiotic therapy to treat the infection, as well as drainage of the abscess if necessary. The length and nature of treatment may depend on the specific characteristics of the abscess and the patient's condition. It is important to see a physician for an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment.

Chronic liver abscess

It is a prolonged and inflammatory condition of the liver characterized by the presence of abscesses (limited accumulations of pus) in the liver tissue. It is a serious condition that requires medical intervention and treatment. Chronic liver abscess can occur as a result of an acute liver abscess that has not been fully treated and has continued to develop.

Symptoms of chronic liver abscess can vary, and they may include:

1. Pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
2. Fever (increased body temperature).
3. General weakness and fatigue.
4. Loss of appetite and weight loss.
5. Nausea and vomiting.
6. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclerae).
7. A feeling of pressure or swelling in the abdomen.

Treatment of chronic liver abscess usually includes the following interventions:

1. Abscess drainage: This is an important step in treatment in which the doctor uses procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or x-ray guidance to locate and drain the abscess. This may involve insertion of a drainage tube or surgery.
2. Antibiotics: Patients may be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
3. Treatment of the underlying disease: If chronic liver abscess is caused by other diseases such as cholelithiasis or other liver pathologies, treatment of the underlying disease may also be necessary.
4. Maintenance of general condition: Patients may require symptomatic treatment to relieve pain, fever, and other symptoms.

Treatment for chronic liver abscess should be supervised by an experienced physician, and the treatment plan will depend on the specific circumstances and condition of the patient.

Chronic brain abscess.

It is a long-term inflammatory disease that is characterized by the formation of a purulent focus (abscess) in the brain tissue. It is a serious condition that requires medical intervention and treatment.

Chronic brain abscess can result from a variety of causes including:

1. Transfer of Acute Brain Abscess: Sometimes anacute brain abscess can turn into a chronic form if it is not completely cured or treated properly.
2. Surgical infection: After neurosurgical interventions (e.g., after removal of a brain tumor), infection can occur and lead to a chronic abscess.
3. Pneumonia and bacterial infections: Bacterial infections such as pneumonia of the lung can sometimes spread in the blood and reach the brain, causing an abscess.
4. Complications of other diseases: Some diseases such as sinusitis, otitis media, tooth infections, etc., can lead to the spread of infection to the brain.

Symptoms of a chronic brain abscess may include headaches, seizures, changes in mental status, impaired motor coordination, speech, and other neurological symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment of this condition requires specialized medical care, including computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the abscess, as well as laboratory tests and neurosurgery for treatment.

Treatment for a chronic brain abscess usually involves surgical drainage of the abscess, antibiotics, and other measures to control infection and minimize damage to brain tissue.

Chronic paratonsillar abscess.

This is a condition in which a pus buildup forms near one of the palatine tonsils (tonsils) or the paratonsillar area in the throat. This condition is chronic, which means it develops slowly and can last for a long time.

Symptoms of a chronic paratonsillar abscess may include:

1. Sorethroat: Patients often complain of pain in one side of the throat, especially when swallowing.
2. Foreign body sensation: Feeling like something is stuck in the throat or discomfort in the throat.
3. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing, especially liquids or solid foods.
4. Metallic taste in the mouth: Some patients may experience a metallic taste in the mouth.
5. Increased salivation: Incre ased amount of saliva.
6. Lymphadenopathy: There may be enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck area.

Chronic paratonsillar abscess can be caused by a variety of factors including bacterial infections, chronic tonsil (tonsillar) disease, weakened immune system, and others.

Diagnosis of a chronic paratonsillar abscess may include clinical examination by a physician, throatoscopy, computed tomography (CT) scan and other examinations to determine the presence and characteristics of the abscess.

Treatment includes antibiotic therapy to control the infection and drainage of the abscess if necessary. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the pus buildup. Treatment should be done under the supervision of a physician, and the length of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Chronic soft tissue abscess.

This is a condition in which an accumulation of pus is formed in the soft tissues of the body (skin, subcutaneous tissue, etc.), which continues to exist for a long time. This condition is characterized by slow and long development of the abscess, often against a background of chronic inflammation.

Symptoms of a chronic soft tissue abscess may include:

1. Pain: Pain may be localized in the area of the abscess and may be constant or intermittent.
2. Swellingand swelling: Swelling and swelling may be seen in the area of the abscess.
3. Increased skin temperature: The skin over the abscess may be hot and red.
4. Purulent discharge: The abscess may continuously or intermittently discharge purulent contents through a hole in the skin.
5. Fever: If an abscess infection is present, the patient may have an elevated body temperature (fever).
6. General malaise: Patients may feel general malaise, fatigue and loss of appetite.

A chronic soft tissue abscess can be caused by a variety of factors including bacterial infections, trauma, foreign bodies, surgical procedures, or other conditions that can lead to abscess formation.

Diagnosis of a chronic soft tissue abscess involves a clinical examination by a physician, sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan to determine the size and characteristics of the abscess.

Treatment includes antibiotic therapy to treat the infection, and drainage of the abscess if necessary. Drainage can be done surgically or with drainage tubes. The duration of treatment and the nature of medical interventions depend on the specific characteristics of the abscess and the patient's condition.

Chronic periapical abscess

This is an infectious complication of the tooth that develops as a result of chronic infection around the root apical area (root end) of the tooth. This type of abscess usually does not cause acute and severe pain, as is the case with an acute periapical abscess, but remains in or near the apex of the tooth root.

Causes of chronic periapical abscess may include the following factors:

1. Improper treatment of acute abscess: If an acute periapical abscess is not treated properly, the infection can progress to a chronic form.
2. Irregular dental visits: Lack of regular dental visits can lead to poor dental health and periapical infections.
3. Cavities: Failure to treat tooth decay in a timely manner can contribute to the development of infection within the tooth.
4. Tooth trauma: Injuries, such as blows or fractures, can cause an infection to develop in the root of the tooth.

Treatment of a chronic periapical abscess usually involves the following steps:

1. Drainage: The dentist may drain the abscess to remove pus and infection from the surrounding tissue.
2. Removing the source of the infection: If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may decide to extract it.
3. Root Canal Treatment: If the tooth can be saved, the dentist will perform root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) to remove infection from inside the tooth root.
4. Antibiotics: Sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed to fight infection.

Chronic periapical abscess should be treated by a dentist or endodontist. It is important to see a specialist for evaluation and treatment planning, as an untreated abscess can lead to serious complications and even tooth loss.

Complications and consequences

If a chronic abscess is left untreated or not completely resolved, it can lead to a variety of complications, including the following:

1. Spread of infection: A pustule can spread the infection to surrounding tissues and organs. This can lead to infectious complications and even sepsis, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
2. Abscessing sinus formation: If an abscess is left untreated, it can form an abscessing sinus, which means that the infection continues to exist and form small pockets of pus. This can lead to recurrence of the infection and complications.
3. Damage to surrounding tissues and organs: Expansion of the abscess or its pressure on nearby tissues and organs can cause damage, including tissue destruction and impaired function. For example, an abscess near the stomach or intestines can lead to perforation (rupture) of these organs.
4. Scarring: After the abscess has resolved, a scar may be left behind, which may cause restriction of movement or function of the relevant area of the body.
5. Spread of infection through blood vessels: In rare cases, infection from an abscess can spread through blood vessels and travel to other parts of the body.

An exacerbation of a chronic abscess can occur if the infection in the abscess increases or actively multiplies. This can be due to various factors such as decreased immunity, damage to the abscess drainage system, a change in bacterial flora, or other circumstances.

Symptoms of an exacerbation of a chronic abscess may include:

1. Increased pain in the area of the abscess.
2. Increased inflammation and redness of the skin over the abscess.
3. Increased body temperature.
4. Feeling of weakness and deterioration of general well-being.
5. A change in the nature of the discharge from the abscess (e.g., increased volume or change in color).

Diagnostics of the chronic abscess

Diagnosis of a chronic abscess usually involves a number of laboratory and instrumental methods that help determine the presence and location of the abscess, as well as assess its characteristics and causes. Here are some of the basic diagnostic methods:

1. Clinical Exam: The physician performs a physical examination of the patient, examines the area where the abscess is suspected, and assesses for symptoms of inflammation, swelling, redness, and pain.
2. History: The doctor asks questions about the patient's medical history, asking about any injuries, surgeries, or other events that may have triggered the development of an abscess.
3. Clinical blood tests: A general blood count and blood chemistry test may reveal signs of inflammation, such as elevated white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein (CRP).
4. Ultrasound (USG): Ultrasound can be used to visualize the area where the abscess is suspected to be located. This method can determine the size, shape and structure of the abscess.
5. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): These methods of education allow a more detailed examination of the structure of the abscess and its relationship to surrounding tissues and organs.
6. AbscessPuncture: In some cases, it may be necessary to perform an abscess puncture to obtain the purulent contents for analysis and identification of the microorganisms causing the infection.
7. Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy of the abscess may be performed to analyze the tissue in more detail and rule out tumorigenesis.

Differential diagnosis

Acute and chronic abscesses are two different conditions characterized by different characteristics, symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.

Acute abscess:

1. Characteristics: An acute abscess is an acute and sudden accumulation of pus in tissues or organs of the body. It develops rapidly and is often accompanied by marked symptoms of inflammation.
2. Symptoms: Acute abscesses are usually manifested by severe pain in the abscess area, redness, swelling and elevated skin temperature, local or generalized fever, pus discharge, and other signs of inflammation.
3. Causes: Acute abscesses can develop as a consequence of infection, trauma, surgical procedures, or other factors that provoke infection.
4. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of an acute abscess includes clinical examination, blood laboratory tests, and ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the abscess.

Chronic abscess:

1. Characteristics: A chronic abscess is an abscess that has existed in the body for a long time, usually for weeks, months, or even years. It may have less vivid symptoms compared to an acute abscess.
2. Symptoms: Symptoms of a chronic abscess may be less severe and may include localized pain, swelling, swelling, pus discharge, general malaise, and other signs.
3. Causes: Chronic abscesses may develop as a result of inadequate treatment of an acute abscess, chronic infectious processes, foreign bodies, or other factors.
4. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of chronic abscess also includes clinical examination, laboratory tests, ultrasound or CT scan to characterize the abscess.

Both types of abscesses require medical intervention and treatment, but a chronic abscess may be less obvious and may require additional diagnostic techniques to detect.

Treatment of the chronic abscess

Treatment of a chronic abscess depends on its location, size, cause of formation and the patient's condition. A chronic abscess is an infectious accumulation of pus that does not go away on its own and requires medical intervention. The following are general guidelines for treating a chronic abscess:

1. Drainage: One of the key steps in treating an abscess is to drain it. This can be done in a variety of ways, including surgery, aspiration (removal of the contents with a needle and syringe), or placement of drainage tubes.
2. Antibiotics: Often abscesses are accompanied by a bacterial infection, so antibiotics may be required. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection and prevent it from spreading.
3. Improving immunity: Patients with chronic abscesses may need to improve their immune system to fight infection. This may include maintaining a good diet, taking vitamins and minerals, and addressing other underlying diseases or health problems.
4. Surgery: In some cases, an abscess may require surgical removal. This may be necessary if the abscess is too large, is in a dangerous area, or cannot be drained effectively by other means.
5. Determining the cause: It is important to find out what caused the abscess to form in order to prevent its recurrence. If the abscess was caused by other diseases or pathologies such as acute or chronic paraanal abscess, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, etc., treatment of the underlying disease will also be necessary.