Abscess
Description
Abscesses are encapsulated collections of pus due to pyogenic bacterial infection found deep within tissues, organs or confined spaces. Abscesses are often walled off by healthy vascularized connective tissue as a natural defense against further spread of pus and infection. They are usually accompanied by inflammation and will rupture if not surgically drained. When neglected, abscesses frequently accumulate calcium salts and are converted into calcified masses. Abscesses are often a symptom of an underlying disease.
There are many forms of abscesses, such as anorectal and epidural abscesses, and those of the appendix, breast, fallopian tube, ovary, liver, lungs and teeth. If not sex organ-related, most forms of abscesses are more common in men than in women.
Depending on the abscess, steroids and/or painkillers may be prescribed. Antibiotics are almost always administered.ALI
Causes
Primary Factors
Abscesses are primarily due to bacterial infection.
Predisposing Factors
Anorectal
Any abrasion, tear or pre-existing lesion in the anal canal, rectum or perianal skin
Crohn's disease
Hematologic disorders
Immune deficient states
Epidural
Spread of infection from other parts of the body
Surgery
Penetrating head wound
Skull fracture
Congenital heart disease, commonly found in children
Appendix
Appendicitis
Breast
Infectious agents which enter the breast through the nipple
Diverticulum
Diverticulosis
Fallopian tube and ovary
Neglected pelvic infections
Liver
Penetrating trauma, such as wounds
Surgery
Malnutrition
Salmonellosis
Any liver cell destruction producing a cavity
Lung
Pneumonia
Poor oral hygiene
Inhalation of infected particles
Teeth
Untreated decaying or dead teeth
Untreated receding gums
Signs & Symptoms
The most common symptoms of abscesses are fever and localized pain.
Anorectal
Tenderness at the site of the abscess
Hard, painful lumps which may prevent the individual from sitting comfortably
Epidural
Loss of power in the legs
Numbness of the entire lower body
An abscess in the brain may result in a constant, intractable headache which worsens when the individual strains
Nausea
Vomiting
Local or general seizures
Confusion
Delirium
Blurred vision
Inequality of pupil size
Nystagmus
Any symptoms of stroke
Appendix
Accompanying symptoms of appendicitis
Breast
Red, tender, painful swelling or lump(s) in the breast
Tender glands in the armpit next to the infected breast
Cracked nipples, especially during the first week of breast feeding
Diverticulum
Malaise
Anorexia
Vomiting
Abdominal tenderness
Abdominal distention
Diverticular disease
Peritonitis may develop, thus medical attention should be sought immediately
Fallopian tube and ovary
Pain in the lower abdomen
Backache
More frequent, or heavier than usual menstrual periods
Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
Liver
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Blood in bowel movements
Lung
Chills and fever
Chest pain
Cough which brings up phlegm with pus and blood
Malaise
Weight loss
Headache
Extensive sweating
Dyspnea
Teeth
Persistent ache or throb
Extensive pain when biting or chewing
Swollen, tender glands in the neck
Reactivity to heat
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Immune System Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | ||
| Copper | 2 - 3 mg | 0.5 - 1 mg | |
| EPO | 2 - 3 g | 1 - 2 g | |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 6,000 mg | 500 - 1,000 mg | |
| Vitamin E | 200 - 400 IU | 50 - 200 IU | |
| Zinc | 20 - 50 mg | 10 - 20 mg |
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
An abscess is a localized infection which mobilizes many cells to destroy and remove bacteria which creates a great dietary need to replace nutrients lost, such as in a fever sweat or antibodies expended during the immune response.
With chronic abscesses, a prolonged nutritional imbalance may leave the body weak and susceptible to secondary infection. In this case, the Immune Strengthening Diet, or a Protein Enriched Diet would provide the nutrients necessary for tissue repair, regeneration and protection from subsequent infection.
Homeopathic Remedy
1.* Hepar sulphuris calcareum 2X for 3 days, followed by 30C for 2 weeks.
2. Spongia tosta - but only if glandular involvement. 30C
3. Vipera redi 12X to 30C
4. Lapis albus - 6C to 30C
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Tissue Salts
Stage One (inflammatory): Alternate Ferr. Phos. and Kali Mur.
Stage Two (pus forming): Silicea.
Stage Three ( to speed healing): Calc. Sulf.
Stage Four (after healing, to prevent recurrence): Calc. Phos.
Other indications:
Hard edge, affecting the bone: Calc. Fluor.
Watery discharge, bluish border: Nat. Sulf.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Echinacea
Garlic plant
Milk thistle
Sarsaparilla
Tea tree oil
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Echinacea (possibly combined with Goldenseal) is a standard protocol for infection.
Garlic plant is always useful, often being compared to antibiotics.
Milk thistle detoxifies the liver. Milk Thistle (also known as Silymarin) is widely used as an active component of Liver Cleanse formulas. Used in conjunction with additional supporting ingredients, excellent results can be realized from milk thistle as part of a liver detox protocol.
Sarsaparilla was a standard treatment for syphilis.
Tea tree oil is useful as a topical antiseptic.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Bergamot Essence, | Chamomile Essence, |
| Frankincense Essence, | Patchouli Essence, |
| Sandalwood Essence, | Tea Tree Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
| Anorexia | Immune Deficient States |
| Appendicitis | Infection |
| Congenital heart disease | Malnutrition |
| Crohn's disease | Pain |
| Diarrhea | Peritonitis |
| Diverticulosis | Pneumonia |
| Fever | Salmonellosis |
| Headaches | Vomiting |
| Hematologic disorders |
References
Anderson, R. The Effects of Increasing Weekly Doses of Ascorbate on Cellular and Immune Function in Normal Volunteers. American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 33 (1980).
Anonymous: "Calprotectin, Zinc, and Abscesses", The Lancet, October 5, 1991;338:855-856.
Anonymous: Oral Zinc and Immunoregulation. Nutrition Reviews, 40 (1982).
Alpers, D.H., R.E. Clouse & W.F. Stenson. 1983. Manual of Nutritional Therapeutics. Little, Brown, & Company, Boston. 457 pp.
Beisel, W.R. 1983. Infectious dieases In "Nutritional Support of Medical Pratice," 2nd ed. H.A. Schneider. Harper and Row, Phila.
Bland, Jeffrey. Nutraerobics. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Cools, P & Bosmans, E: Psoas abscess. A rare complication of Crohn's disease. Acta Chir Belg 1996 Jul-Aug;96(4):165-7.
Dolan, RW & Chowdhury, K: Diagnosis and treatment of intracranial complications of paranasal sinus infections. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 1995 Sep;53(9):1080-7.
Eagles, J.A. & M.N. Randall. 1980. Handbook of Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition Raven Press, New York. 323 pp.
Fewtrell, C.M.S. & B.D. Gomperta. Bioflavonoids and the Immune Response. Biochemica Et Biophysica Acta, 469 (1977).
Hamilton, H. K. ed. 1982. Professional Guide To Diseases Intermed Communications Inc. Pub, Springfield, Massachusetts. 1323 pp.
Hodges, R.E. & R.E. Bleiler. Factors Affecting Human Antibody Responses, III. Pantothenic Acid Deficient Men. Am J Of Clin Nutri, 11 (1962).
Horrobin, D. Clinical Uses Of Essential Fatty Acids. Montreal, Canada: Eden Press, 1972.
Kawachi S et al., Spontaneous healing of pancreatic abscess after fistulization to the duodenal bulb. Am J Med Sci, 1997 Jul, 314:1, 44-6.
Kirschmann, J.D. 1990. Nutrition Almanac: Nutrition Search. McGrew-Hill: New York.
Kudsk KA et al., A randomized trial of isonitrogenous enteral diets after severe trauma. An immune-enhancing diet reduces septic complications. Ann Surg, 1996 Oct, 224:4, 531-40; discussion 540-3.
Kunz, J. R. M. 1982. The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide. Random House Pub, New York. 832 pp.
Nockels, C.F. Protective Effectives of Supplemental Vitamin E Against Infection. Federation Proceedings, 38 (1979).
O'Hara, RJ et al: Conservative management of infective mastitis and breast abscesses after ultrasonographic assessment. Br J Surg 1996 Oct;83(10):1413-4.
Robbins, S. L. & R. S. Cotran. 1979. Pathologic Basis of Disease, 2nd ed. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 1598 pp.
Simon, JH et al: Needle aspiration: an alternative to incision and drainage. Gen Dent 1995 Jan-Feb;43(1):42-5.
Sorenson, J. Therapeutic Uses of Copper. Copper In The Environment, Part II. New York: Wiley Press, 1979.
Stolzenberg, R: Possible folate deficiency with postsurgical infection. Nutr Clin Pract 1994 Dec;9(6):247-50.
Thomas, W.R. & P.G. Holt. Vitamin C and Immunity. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 32, (1978).
Wyngaarden, J. B. & L. H. Smith. 1985. Cecil's Textbook of Medicine. Saunders Pub Co., Philadelphia. 2341 pp.
| Signup Free Applied Health Journal |
||||
|
FREE Sample Issue Your email address is all we need to start you on a better path to health. We respect your privacy.
|
