Abscess in large intestine what to do?
If you suspect you may have an abscess in your large intestine, it's important to seek medical attention right away. Here's what you can do:
1. Contact Your Doctor or Healthcare Provider:
- Call your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and concerns. They can assess your condition and recommend the appropriate steps.
2. Go to the Emergency Room:
- If you're experiencing severe symptoms, such as high fever, chills, abdominal pain, or vomiting, head to the nearest emergency room. Bowel abscesses can be life-threatening and prompt treatment is crucial.
3. Get Imaging Tests:
- Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to confirm the presence and location of the abscess. These tests help determine the severity and guide treatment decisions.
4. Start Antibiotics:
- Antibiotic therapy is commonly used to treat abscesses. The type of antibiotics and duration of treatment depend on the bacteria causing the infection.
5. Consider Drainage:
- If the abscess is large or does not respond to antibiotics alone, surgical drainage may be necessary. This involves inserting a needle or catheter to drain the pus from the abscess.
6. Surgical Intervention:
- In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the abscess and infected tissue. This is often necessary if the abscess is complex, recurrent, or involves surrounding structures.
7. Follow-up Care:
- After treatment, your doctor will monitor your recovery and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the abscess has completely resolved and there are no complications.
8. Practice Good Hygiene:
- Maintain strict personal hygiene to prevent further infections. Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom or handling raw meat.
9. Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and support the body's natural healing processes.
Remember, self-treating or ignoring an abscess can lead to serious health complications. It's essential to seek professional medical care to properly diagnose and manage an abscess in the large intestine. Always follow the advice and instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider.