Abscess is a concept that comes from the Latin word abscessus. In turn we would have to make it clear that this word emanates, etymologically speaking, from the verb “abscedere” which is made up of two parts: the prefix “abs-“, which can be translated as an indicator of separation, and the word “cedere”, which is equivalent to “go”.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| TOA | Tubo-Ovarian Abscess |
| PTA | Peritonsillar Abscess |
| CAS | Cranial Abscessation Syndrome |
| ALA | Amoebic Liver Abscess |
It is a term used in medicine to name the accumulation of pus that occurs in organic tissues, whether external or internal.
The abscess, therefore, is an infection that is characterized by inflammation and swelling. It occurs when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body isolates the infection to prevent it from spreading. White blood cells are directed toward damaged tissue, accumulating there alongside bacteria, fluids, and other materials.
Abscesses can appear in almost any part of the body and are caused by parasites or foreign materials in general. If the abscess is in a hurry, specialists talk about apostema.
Some abscesses can be easily visualized, as inflammation is detected in the skin, which turns reddish in the area. Other abscesses, on the other hand, cannot be warned with the naked eye, but they cause pain and can even damage vital organs.
Among the main types of abscesses available, these are the most common or significant in this regard:
• Dental abscess. A bacterial infection, such as cavities, is the one that causes the onset of the one, which comes to be the buildup of pus in the center of a tooth. A severe toothache is another consequence of this problem that can be solved by ingesting the corresponding medicines as well as even proceeding to the extraction of the dental part. It is important to know that other symptoms that indicate this abscess include fever, pain when chewing, bad breath or a constant bitter taste in the mouth.
• Brain abscess. Heart problems or even chronic diseases are some of the factors that lead many people to have such a problem, which is also caused by an infection. Changes in mental state, decreased communication or coordination capabilities or changes in vision are some of the signs that you have this abscess, which in the most severe cases requires surgical intervention.
• Perianal abscess. As the name suggests, pus accumulation in this case occurs in the anus area and can be due to various causes such as trauma or serious illnesses.
Hygiene is often the best way to prevent skin and dental abscesses. There are other abscesses, on the other hand, whose origin is not so clear and require a medical analysis to determine the steps to follow.
A doctor may take a sample of fluid from the abscess to know which organisms caused it. Treatment can range from taking antibiotics to surgery.
Pulmonary abscess, for example, involves a cavity more than two centimeters filled with pus found in the area of the lungs. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, order a bronchoscopy, or drain the abscess.
Liver abscess, on the other hand, is a formation of pus within the liver or associated with this organ. It can be caused by appendicitis, bacterial endocarditis or another cause.
