Phlegmon overview
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Phlegmon overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Phlegmon is a spreading diffuse inflammatory process with formation of suppurative/purulent exudate or pus.
Pathophysiology
Factors affecting the development of phlegmons are virulence of bacteria and human's immunity strength defenses.
Causes
Phlegmon is commonly caused by bacteria - staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, spore and non-spore forming anaerobes, etc.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Systemic features of infection like increased body temperature (up to 38-40°C), general fatigue, chills, sweatings, headache, and loss of appetite may be present.
Physical Examination
Inflammatory signs - dolor (localized pain), calor (increase local tissue temperature), rubor (skin redness/hyperemia), tumor (either clear or non-clear bordered tissue swelling), functio laesa (diminish affected function) may be present. Severity of patient condition with phlegmons is directly proportional to the degree of intoxication level i.e the severe the condition, the higher degree of intoxication level.
Laboratory Findings
The main goal of treatment is to remove the cause of phlegmonous process in order to achieve effective treatment and prevention of recurrence. If patients condition is mild and the signs of inflammatory process is presence without signs of infiltrates, then conservative treatment with antibiotics is sufficient.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
The main goal of treatment is to remove the cause of phlegmonous process in order to achieve effective treatment and prevention of recurrence. If patients condition is mild and the signs of inflammatory process is presence without signs of infiltrates, then conservative treatment with antibiotics is sufficient.