Intestinal abscesses can be caused by infections, diverticulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, peritonitis, Crohn’s disease, appendicitis, or pancreatitis. Treatment may include antibiotics, dietary changes, and surgery in severe cases. Any sudden abdominal pain should be reported to a doctor immediately.
An intestinal abscess is a potentially serious medical complication that has a variety of possible causes. This type of inflammation is most commonly caused by an infection affecting the intestines. An intestinal disorder known as diverticulosis can often lead to a type of intestinal inflammation and infection known as diverticulitis, a well-known cause of intestinal abscess formation. Additional medical conditions that could lead to this complication include pelvic inflammatory disease, peritonitis, or Crohn’s disease. Any individualized questions or concerns about developing an intestinal abscess should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Diverticulosis is a medical condition in which multiple pockets develop along the walls of the intestine. If these pouches become inflamed, a condition called diverticulitis may develop, which often causes infection and a buildup of pus that forms an intestinal abscess. Dietary changes and a prescription for antibiotics are often all that is needed to treat the infection, although surgery is sometimes required.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is inflammation involving the female reproductive organs, often due to an infection or sexually transmitted disease. This infection can sometimes spread to the intestines, leading to the development of an intestinal abscess. Peritonitis involves inflammation of the thin membrane that lines the walls of the abdomen, and an intestinal abscess is one possible complication of this condition. These conditions are often treated with antibiotics, although additional medications or surgery may be indicated in some severe cases.
Intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are also among the possible causes of an intestinal abscess. Ulcerative colitis can cause intermittent bouts of constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, and open sores within the intestines. Crohn’s disease causes symptoms similar to those of ulcerative colitis, although symptoms are often more severe among people who have Crohn’s disease. Both conditions are normally treated with medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications, although surgery may sometimes be required.
Appendicitis or pancreatitis can sometimes lead to the development of an intestinal abscess. These organs may leak or rupture due to the extreme inflammation caused by the infection. The pus and other infectious materials could then leak out and spread to other organs in the body. Emergency surgery is required in such cases because after the infection invades multiple organs or the bloodstream, life-threatening complications could develop. Any sudden abdominal pain, especially if accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, should be reported to a doctor immediately for further medical evaluation.
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