Liver abscess

Overview

Liver abscesses can come from gut infections, bile duct problems, or amebic infection after travel.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Fever with right upper belly pain
• Upper right belly pain (under the right ribs)

Less common

• Chills
• Yellow skin

When to get medical care

Causes

Infection.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: germs from poop getting into the mouth, usually your own gut bacteria, getting into the urinary tract, the blood, or the belly.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Diabetes
• People with gallbladder or bile duct disease: Most common cause
• People with diabetes: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Sepsis: Infection spreading into the blood
• Pleurisy (inflamed lung lining): If the abscess bursts near the lung

Diagnosis

This is diagnosed in the emergency room or hospital.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CT:

Treatment

Emergency care is needed. While waiting for help:

Self-care

• Get urgent care
• Take all antibiotics

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat gallbladder problems

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Liver Foundation: Helpline and support groups for liver disease.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until 2 days after vomiting and diarrhea stop, especially if you work with food, children, or patients.
• Wash hands well after using the toilet.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Travelers to tropics: Amebic abscess possible.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Most recover with treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What follow-up care do I need?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Liver abscess