klinikfarma.com Liver abscess is a condition in which a pus pocket forms in the liver due to injury that can develop into an infection. Pus is formed from white blood cells and dead cells as the body tries to fight the infection. However, this pus cannot drain out properly and instead accumulates in pockets in the liver. This causes swelling and inflammation around the liver, which can then cause pain in the abdominal area.
Causes of Liver Abscess
Liver abscesses have three main categories of causes:
- Pyogenic Liver Abscess: Caused by bacterial infection. The infection may originate from structures near the liver, such as the bile duct, or from the appendix. The infection may also spread through the bloodstream from a more distant part of the body.
- Amoebic Liver Abscess: Caused by the entamoeba parasite, which can travel from the intestines to the liver via the bloodstream.
- Injury-Induced Liver Abscess: Surgery, diagnostic procedures, or trauma to the liver can trigger the formation of an abscess.
Types of Pathogens and Risk Factors
Some types of pathogens that can cause liver abscesses include bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, parasites such as Entamoeba histolytica, and fungi such as Candida sp. Risk factors include conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, inflammation of the gallbladder, bile duct, or appendix, and injury or surgery to the liver.
Symptoms of Liver Abscess
Symptoms of a liver abscess include pain in the abdominal area, swelling around the liver, fever, nausea, vomiting, and impaired liver function. It is important to seek treatment immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Liver Abscess Treatment
Treatment for liver abscess involves antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, surgery may be required to drain the pus from the abscess. Early treatment by qualified medical personnel is essential to prevent more serious complications.
