Carenotes > Liver Abscess (Discharge Care)

Liver Abscess

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A liver abscess (AB-ses) is a collection of pus in the liver caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. It may occur as a single lesion or as multiple lesions of different sizes. It is commonly caused by an infection with bacteria (germs) or ameba (parasite that causes diarrhea). A bacterial liver abscess often happens after an abdominal (stomach) infection. This may include infections of the bile ducts caused by gallstones, infection in the intestines, or appendicitis. Pain on the right upper part of your abdomen, fever, and night sweats are common signs and symptoms. You may also have loss of appetite, nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or unplanned weight loss. Sometimes, cough, trouble breathing, or yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, may be present.
  
  
• A liver abscess may be diagnosed by blood or imaging tests that take pictures of your abdomen. These may include x-rays, liver scan, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment will depend on the cause, size, and location of your liver abscess. It will also depend on whether you have a single or multiple abscesses. Medicines may be given to kill the infection and ease your symptoms. Caregivers may drain the abscess or do surgery to help remove the pus in your liver. With treatment and care, your abscess may be cured and serious problems may be prevented.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can damage your brain, heart, and liver. Almost every part of your body can be harmed by alcohol. Drinking alcohol can also make your illness worse. Talk to your caregiver if you drink alcohol, and ask for information about how to stop.

Wellness hints:

• Eating and drinking:
  
  
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you have more energy and heal faster. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
    
    
  • Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Follow your caregiver's advice if you must change the amount of liquid you drink. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty.
  
  
• Start exercising: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising can help make your heart stronger, lower your blood pressure, and keep you healthy.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Avoid stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing. Talk to your caregiver about things that upset you.

For more information: A liver abscess may be a life-changing disease for you and your family. Accepting that you have a liver abscess may be hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• American College of Gastroenterology
  P.O. Box 342260
  Bethesda, MD 20827-2260
  Phone: 1-301-
  Web Address: http://www.acg.gi.org/
  

• American Liver Foundation
  75 Maiden Lane Suite 603
  New York, New York 10038
  Phone: 1-212-668-1000
  Phone: 1-800-465-4837
  Web Address: http://www.liverfoundation.org
  

• National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
  2 Information Way
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
  Phone: 1-800-8915389
  Web Address: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have a cough, red or swollen skin, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• Your skin has a rash.
  
  
• Your wound is tender, swollen, or has pus coming from it.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your liver abscess, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have vomiting or seizures (convulsions).
  
  
• You have pain in your abdomen (stomach) or it feels fuller than normal.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.