Liver Abscess Symptoms and Treatment in Delhi

Liver abscess, also known as hepatic abscess, is a pus-filled liquid in the liver that is caused by infection due to bacteria, parasites, or liver injury. Liver abscess is usually treatable if detected early. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to different organs of the body.

What is Liver Abscess?

A liver abscess is an accumulation of infected, puss-like fluid in the liver. The liquid is formed due to bacterial infection, parasitic infection, or injury to the liver. These infections typically enter through the blood, bile ducts, or infections in the abdomen.

The different types of liver abscess are as follows:

• Pyogenic Liver Abscess

When the fluid is formed due to bacterial infection, it is called a pyogenic liver abscess. Infections usually spread directly from bile-draining tubes, the appendix, or intestines. The bloodstream spreads infections from one organ to the other.

• Amoebic Liver  Abscess

Liver abscess which is mainly caused by the spread of parasitic infections, namely Entamoeba histolytica is known as amoebic liver abscess. The infection spreads from the intestines and can reach the liver through the bloodstream. 

• Injury-induced liver abscess

Previous injuries or trauma to the liver or surgical procedures may also lead to the accumulation of infected liquid within the liver cells, which is known as injury-induced liver abscess.

Causes of Liver Abscess

When the infection accumulation leads to the formation of pus in the liver, it leads to liver abscess. The liver abscess causes are as follows:

• Bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Esherichia coli are responsible for the spread of infection through the abdominal ducts.

• Parasites like Entamoeba Histolytica affect the intestines and spread through the bloodstream.

• Infections through the gallstones or bile duct blockages

• People with weak immune systems and  diabetes, cancer, or chronic diseases can develop liver abscess

• Intestinal infections like appendictis or diverticulitis that spread to the liver through portal veins.

• Liver injury, trauma, liver biopsies, or surgeries can cause infections

Symptoms of Liver Abscess

Liver abscess symptoms are as follows:

• Acute pain or discomfort in the upper right portion of the abdomen.

• Cough

• Dark urine

• Difficulty in breathing

• Fever or chills

• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss

• Lethargy 

• Nausea and sweating

• Pain in the right shoulder.

When to see a doctor?

You must visit a Nursing Home in Delhi for gastro treatment if you are experiencing severe symptoms like:

• Jaundice, and clay-coloured stools.

• Fever higher than 101 degrees F

• Jerky movements and panic attacks

• Respiratory problems include shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or breathing rapidly.

• When your heart beats at a rate of 100 beats per minute, it is known as tachycardia

• Severe pain in the body

Treatment of a Liver Abscess

Timely diagnosis and treatment of liver abscess are required as it can progress into life-threating situations like liver dysfunction or liver cirrhosis. The treatment options for liver abscess include:

• Oral medications are given for the treatment of infections. Antibiotics are used to treat abcess caused by bacteria, while antiparasitic drugs are used for amoebic liver abscess treatment. Some commonly prescribed medications for liver abscess are Metronidazole, Clindamycin, and Gentamicin.

• Laparoscopic or Percutaneous drainage is used when the oral medication does not show the desired results. In this procedure, the fluid or pus is drained by inserting a needle or a small tube in the abdomen.

• If the abscess is large enough to burst, aspiration therapy is used to drain the infective fluid, where the needle is directly inserted through the skin into the abscess. In case of multiple abscesses, the affected tissue of the liver is removed to restore the liver function

Risk Factors for a Liver Abscess

The risk factors for liver abscess are as follows:

• Excessive consumption of alcohol.

• Liver cirrhosis

• Type 2 diabetes

• Abdominal surgery

• Weak immune system, and chronic diseases like AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants.

• Excessive use of unnecessary medications like proton pump inhibitor

• Poor diet 

Preventive Measures to Avoid Liver Abscess

Some preventive measures to avoid or reduce the risk of liver abscess are as follows:

• Avoiding contaminated food and water can prevent the spread of bacterial infections.

• Avoiding travel in areas or regions where amoebic infections are common.

• Reducing alcohol intake

• Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes, infections, etc, to prevent the risk of developing abscess.

• Post-operative care after surgical treatments.

Conclusion

The liver is an essential organ that helps detoxify and flush out toxins. It is necessary to take timely medical consultations if you are experiencing early symptoms of developing an abscess, as it can quickly progress into life-threating situations like liver cirrhosis.

For a comprehensive consultation and expert advice, you must visit the  UK Nursing Home, one of the best hospitals in Delhi. We have a panel of experienced doctors and advanced technology that helps in the early detection and timely treatment of any liver-related issues. Visit us or book your consultation today to take a first step towards a healthy life.