ABSCESS DIAGNOSIS |
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The common findings of
inflammation--heat, redness, swelling, and pain--easily identify
superficial abscesses. Abscesses in other places may produce only
generalized symptoms such as fever and discomfort. If the patient's
symptoms and physical examination do not help, a physician may have
to resort to a battery of tests to locate the site of an abscess,
but usually something in the initial evaluation directs the search.
Recent or chronic disease in an organ suggests it may be the site of
an abscess. Dysfunction of an organ or system--for instance,
seizures or altered bowel function--may provide the clue. Pain and
tenderness on physical examination are common findings. Sometimes a
deep abscess will eat a small channel (sinus) to the surface and
begin leaking pus. A sterile abscess may cause only a painful lump
deep in the buttock where a shot was given. |
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| ABSCESS RELATED ITEMS |
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