Phlegmon Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Phlegmon is an inflammation of the soft tissue that spreads under the skin or inside the body. Usually, phlegmon is caused by an infection that causes pus or pus.
Phlegmon can also attack internal organs, such as the tonsils and appendix. In addition, phlegmon can also occur under the skin of anybody –from the fingers to the toes.
Phlegmon can spread quickly. In some cases, phlegmon can be fatal.
Symptom
Symptoms of phlegmon can vary, depending on the location and severity of the infection.
The infection can spread to deeper tissues so that it can cause paralysis if not treated properly. Phlegmon symptoms that usually appear include:
- skin redness, pain and swelling
- swollen lymph nodes
- the onset of pain, both headache, stomach, teeth, throat, or pain in the ear
- organ dysfunction
- nausea and vomiting
- digestive disorders, such as diarrhea or intestinal obstruction
- visual disturbances, such as eye pain or the presence of floaters (floating objects in vision)
- flu-like symptoms, fever, weakness
- confusion
- swelling of the tongue and neck
- hard to breathe
- difficult to speak, hoarse voice
Reason
Phlegmon is caused by an infection, usually bacteria, namely group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. Infection can occur through small wounds – such as insect bites or abrasions that form under the skin.
Phlegmon that occurs in the mouth area generally requires dental surgery. In internal organs, phlegmon can attach to the walls of organs, such as the walls of the stomach or appendix.
Usually, people with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to phlegmon.
Diagnosis
In determining the diagnosis of phlegmon, the doctor will ask in detail the symptoms and complaints of the patient during the medical interview session. A complete physical examination will also be carried out.
Phlegmon on the skin will usually be immediately visible. Meanwhile, phlegmon that occurs in internal organs is usually more difficult to diagnose. The doctor may feel a lump in the painful area.
Supplementary examinations can also be carried out. Some tests that are often done to establish a diagnosis include blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, X-rays, MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging ), and CT- scans.
Treatment
Treatment for phlegmon depends on the location and severity of the infection. In general, the treatment that can be done consists of giving antibiotics and surgery.
Mild skin phlegmon can be treated with oral antibiotics alone. Further surgery may be needed to clean the dead area and prevent the spread of infection.
Phlegmon in the mouth is usually easy to spread quickly and can be fatal. Generally, treatment begins with aggressive administration of antibiotics from the start and the use of intubation (a breathing tube in the throat). Surgery will also be done earlier to clean the area and prevent infection.