DEFINITION
What Is A Liver Abscess?
Liver Abscesses are small holes in the liver filled with pus due to infection. The liver is an important organ with various functions such as storing energy, protein, and removing harmful substances from the body. When the liver is exposed to a parasitic infection, small pus-filled holes may appear.
How Common Are Liver Abscesses?
This disease is common in people living in the tropics. Liver abscesses 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 the disease, symptoms may not appear immediately. If symptoms are present, they are usually: fever, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or pain in the right upper abdomen. There are also symptoms that appear less frequently, such as tightness in the chest, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin and eyes. Some other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Call your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms or signs above including severe abdominal pain, high fever that doesn't go away. Status and conditions can vary for many people. Always discuss with your doctor to get the best method of diagnosis and treatment for you.
REASON
What Causes Liver Abscess?
There are 3 main categories of causes of liver abscess, namely:
- Bacteria as the cause of liver abscess, usually identical multiple
- Amoeba as the cause of liver abscess, especially Entamoeba histolytica
- Fungi as the cause of liver abscess, mostly Candida
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 suppuration. This situation mostly occurs because of poor sanitation conditions. Worldwide, the most common liver abscess is pyogenic liver abscess due to Amoeba.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For A Liver Abscess?
The following factors may increase the risk of a liver abscess, namely:
- Food whose cleanliness is not guaranteed
- 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 that much
- Age: infected people are usually 60-70 years old. Liver abscess can also occur in infants, along with umbilical cord infection
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For A Liver Abscess?
The best method of treatment is to drain the pus and with antibiotics. Most patients require two or three types of antibiotics. Usually, antibiotics are given through intravenous fluids until the fever and inflammation improve. Your doctor may use a needle that is placed in the liver abscess and suck out the infection.
What Are The Usual Tests For Liver Abscess?
Doctors often detect liver abscess disease with ultrasound (using sound waves to create an image of the liver). Another method of diagnosis is a CT scan. If treatment with antibiotics is ineffective, the doctor will perform a biopsy by inserting a needle through the abdomen into the abscess to take a tissue sample and examine it under a microscope. Doctors can also use the transplant method to identify more specific causes.
HOME REMEDIES
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Treat A Liver Abscess?
The lifestyle and home remedies below may help with liver abscess:
Most people with a pyogenic liver abscess will improve within 2 weeks with antibiotics and pus removal. For people affected by liver abscess due to Amoeba, they will have a mild fever for 4-5 days. To prevent this disease from spreading, you can apply this routine:
- Take antibiotics as directed
- Regular check-up according to doctor's orders
- Wash hands before eating
- Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, sweating, chills or jaundice
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.