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Abscess
 
Overview   Symptoms   Treatment   Prevention   

Actinomycosis

Alternative names:

lumpy jaw

Treatment:

Treatment for actinomyces is long term, with 1 to 2 months of penicillin given through a vein, followed by 6 months of penicillin taken by mouth. Other drugs such as erythromycin and tetracycline have been effective. Note: tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Surgical drainage of the lesion may be required.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected with treatment.

Complications:

Meningitis can develop after this infection.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop any of the symptoms of this disorder; beginning treatment promptly speeds the recovery.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial


Adam

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