An abscess is a collection of inflammatory material that can rupture and release pus and other fluids, causing medical complications. Treatment involves surgical drainage to create a controlled rupture and antibiotics to prevent infection. Repeated abscesses may require screening to prevent future accumulations.
A ruptured abscess is a collection of encapsulated inflammatory material that breaks open, releasing pus and other fluids into the surrounding area. Depending on the location of the abscess, a rupture can make a patient feel better by allowing the abscess to drain, or it can put the patient at risk of serious medical complications such as peritonitis. When abscesses are identified, they should be treated promptly and ideally surgically drained to create a controlled rupture.
Abscesses form due to localized inflammation, sometimes in response to an injury or the presence of a foreign object. Cells begin to die, white blood cells build up in the area, and a pocket of pus and other body fluids forms. The body forms a defensive wall around the pouch, sealing off the contents so they can’t spread to healthy cells in the area. The abscess site is usually swollen, warm, and tender. These pockets can form anywhere from the inside of the cheek to deep in the intestine.
While it is possible for an abscess to reabsorb itself in the body, most do not heal on their own. If an abscess can persist untreated, there is a risk that it will rupture. The pocket may open, releasing a buildup of material with a very strong and unpleasant odor. If the abscess drains onto the surface of the body, it can be relatively easy to clean and heal. Internal abscesses, however, can cause infection and other problems when they rupture. For example, a ruptured abscess in the intestine could release the contents of the intestine into the stomach cavity, a very undesirable medical event.
Treatment for a ruptured abscess involves irrigating the site to clean it completely and possibly also removing some dead tissue. The ruptured abscess will be bandaged and the patient may be given antibiotics in case of infection. A ruptured internal abscess may require surgery to repair the area and check for signs of complications. If a patient has repeated abscesses, treatment may also include screening to find out the reason, with the goal of preventing future accumulations of inflamed material.
If a patient identifies an abscess and seeks treatment before it ruptures, a doctor will usually recommend puncture to puncture the walls of the capsule and drain the contents. Once the abscess is drained, it can be cleaned and debrided, and the patient can be evaluated for indicators that suggest the inflammation has spread to determine if additional treatment is needed.
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