Definition
What is a liver abscess?
Liver abscess is a disease of small holes in the liver that is full of pus due to infection. The liver is an important organ with a variety of functions such as storing energy, protein, and remove harmful substances from the body. When the liver is exposed to a parasitic infection, a small, purulent hole may appear. Symptoms of a liver abscess, the cause of a liver abscess, and liver abscess drugs, will be described further below.
How common is a liver abscess?
This disease is common in people living in the tropics. Liver abscess can affect anyone, including men and women. You can overcome this disease by reducing risk factors. Consult a doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a liver abscess?
With any form of illness, symptoms may not appear immediately. If there are symptoms, usually: fever, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain in the upper right abdomen. There are also more rare symptoms such as tightness in the chest, loss of appetite, skin and eyes yellowing. Some other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about the symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
When should I see a doctor?
Call your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms or signs including severe abdominal pain, high fever that does not heal. Status and conditions may vary for many people. Always discuss with your doctor to get the best diagnosis and treatment method for you.
Cause
What causes liver abscess?
There are 3 main categories of causes of liver abscess, namely:
- Bacteria as the cause of liver abscess, especially Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Amoeba as the cause of liver abscess, especially Entamoeba histolytica.
- Fungus as the cause of liver abscess, most Candida sp.
Liver abscess caused by bacteria is called a pyogenic liver abscess. Inflammatory conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, cholecystitis often cause most cases of liver abscess. Insect parasites such as amoeba also cause pus. This situation mostly occurs because of poor sanitary conditions. Around the world, the most common liver abscess is pyogenic liver abscess due to Amoeba.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for liver abscess?
The factors below may increase the risk of a liver abscess:
- Foods that are not guaranteed hygiene
- Have liver problems, such as liver infection or impaired hepatic function
- Gender: women may be at higher risk than men. But the difference is not too far away
- Age: an infected person is usually 60-70 years of age. Liver abscess can also occur in infants, along with cord umbilical infection
Medication & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for liver abscess?
The best treatment method is to get rid of pus and with antibiotics. Most patients require two or three antibiotics. Usually, antibiotics are administered through intravenous fluids until the fever and inflammation recover. Your doctor may use a needle that is placed in the liver abscess and suck the infection.
What are the usual tests for liver abscess?
Doctors often detect liver disease with ultrasound abscess (using sound waves to create liver images). Another method to diagnose is a CT scan. If treatment with antibiotics is ineffective, the doctor will perform a biopsy by jabbing the needle through the abdomen to the abscess to take tissue samples and examine them with a microscope. Doctors may also use transplantation to identify more specific causes.
Treatment at home
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a liver abscess?
The lifestyle and home remedies below may help overcome a liver abscess:
- Most people with pyogenic liver abscesses will improve within 2 weeks with antibiotics and discharge of pus. For people affected by a liver abscess due to Amoeba, they will have a slight fever for 4-5 days. To prevent this disease from spreading, you can apply this routine:
- Drink antibiotics as directed
- Routine check ups as per doctor's instructions
- Wash hands before eating
- Call your doctor immediately if you have abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, sweating, chills or jaundice
- If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution of your problem.
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