Have you ever heard of phlegmon What
exactly is it about
What are the main causes of phlegmon
What are the most common symptoms of phlegmon
What is the therapy planned for the treatment of this condition
We can prevent it
If you are looking for useful information about phlegmon then you are right in the right place because today we will talk about this topic, hoping to be able to provide you with a complete, clear and exhaustive guide to the problem. So let’s see together what it is, how it manifests itself and how phlegmon is treated.
What is phlegmon Phlegmon
is a pathological condition very similar toabscess but not as well known. In general, phlegmon mainly affects those who already have an altered situation from the point of view of health, for example in the case of a weak immune system.
Contrary to what happens with the abscess , however, the phlegmon can have serious consequences, for this reason it is of fundamental importance to intervene with the appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
This disorder is generally defined as an inflammatory process that predominantly affects soft tissues. Such an inflammatory process is characterized by the dispersion of pus andcellular material (neutrophils and necrotic cells) that is not circumscribed.
To better understand what phlegmon is, let’s make a comparison with the abscess which is very similar and much better known. We all know that, in the case of an abscess, we are able to identify exactly the location of the disorder as it appears swollen and can be felt to the touch.
Contrary to what happens with the abscess, in the case of the phlegmon we are not always able to perfectly identify the localization of the inflammatory process as it tends to extend to the surrounding tissues, especially when the immune defenses are particularly weak. Furthermore, the inflammatory
processes(i.e. inflammatory ones) can affect different parts of the organism, and consequently we can also have different types of phlegmon, for example those mentioned below:
- The paraglandular phlegmon;
- The subcutaneous phlegmon;
- The peritendinous phlegmon;
- The deep phlegmon;
- The paraostal flame.
One of the most common types is the one that affects our neck and which generally derives from the presence of a peritonsillar abscess , especially if this has not been subjected to adequate drainage.
What are the main causes of phlegmon
As we have already mentioned in the previous paragraph, the formation of phlegmon is certainly encouraged by the presence of a rather weak immune system .
In fact, the fact that the body is unable to resist the attack of bacteria favors the appearance of this condition, especially in the presence of some metabolic or debilitating diseases.particularly serious, for example those mentioned below:
- Tuberculosis;
- The presence of a tumor;
- Diverticulitis;
- The patereccio;
- appendicitis;
- Tonsillitis;
- Diabetes.
Beyond these, and many other diseases, among the main causes underlying phlegmons we certainly remember the presence of infectious states, especially those caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus.
As you can see, these are infections that can derive from the most trivial conditions, for example the presence of a very small wound. However, sometimes the organism is unable to circumscribe these infectious states, especially in the presence of the above diseases, and phlegmon can form.
What are the most common symptoms of phlegmon
As it happens for many other pathological conditions, even in the case of phlegmonthe manifestation of symptoms can vary from person to person, but above all according to the area in which it came to form.
Often the symptoms of phlegmon are very similar to those of an abscess , which is why they are frequently confused with each other. In principle, the symptomatic picture of phlegmon includes the following points:
- Pain in the area where the phlegmon is formed;
- Redness of the affected area;
- Edema;
- Feeling of heat;
- Swelling without signs of delimitation to a very precise area.
Finally, we can assume that, usually, phlegmon is formed on the limbs, especially the upper ones, even if it can form in many other areas of our body, such as on the neck.
What to do in the case of phlegmon
Let’s go now to see what we have to do in the case of phlegmon , so that we can be prepared should it occur. Intuitively, if we suffer from some of the pathological conditions we have already talked about, such as diabetes, it is advisable to go to the doctor as soon as we realize we have an infection.
However, since the phlegmonit could have serious consequences, it is advisable to always ask our doctor for advice, so that he can visit us and prescribe the treatment that is most suitable for us.
The treatment of the phlegmon, as it happens for many other conditions, can vary according to the area in which it is formed but, above all, according to the nature of the infectious process.
First of all, the doctor will surely drain the pus , so as to favor the emptying of the phlegmon. Subsequently, he will prescribe the right antibiotic treatment to eliminate all the bacteria responsible for the infection.
What are the risks that can arise from a phlegmon
As we have already mentioned in the course of our article, to treat thephlegmonous and important to intervene promptly on it. In fact, if action is not taken as soon as possible, we can take very specific risks.
Since phlegmon can form anywhere in the body and is not easy to circumscribe, if not treated properly, it could cause necrosis of the tissues on which it was formed, thus leading to drastic consequences, as well as death.
How we can prevent the appearance of phlegmon
Make a precise list of measures to follow to prevent the formation of a phlegmonit is not an easy feat. However, it is good to remember that, in order to have a healthy life, in the name of balance, it is advisable to follow some basic rules, such as those mentioned below:
- Practicing the right physical activity, doing the exercises we can afford to do without putting our body under strain;
- Follow a healthy and balanced diet that includes all the substances our body needs to function properly;
- Having good personal hygiene habits, especially oral hygiene, allows us to avert the risk of getting infections.
Last but not least, to prevent the worsening of any situation, therefore also of the phlegmon, remember to always ask your doctor for an opinion who will certainly be ready to solve all your doubts and direct you towards the best. existing therapy.
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