
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Phlegmon overview
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Phlegmon is a spreading diffuse inflammatory process with formation of suppurative/purulent exudate or pus.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Factors affecting the development of phlegmons are virulence of bacteria and human’s immunity strength defenses.
Causes
Causes
Phlegmon is commonly caused by bacteria – staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, spore and non-spore forming anaerobes, etc.
Diagnosis
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
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.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
