What Actinomycosis Signs and Symptoms Are There?

What is referred to be “lumpy jaw” can result from an infection in your mouth tissue. One can feel a firm bump in the jaw.

Usually, the bump itself doesn’t hurt. On the other hand, it might lead to a painful skin abscess that initially manifests as a reddish bruise at the location. A “locked jaw” or jaw muscular spasms can also be brought on by actinomycosis. If this occurs, the mouth is unable to open normally.

Other actinomycosis symptoms include:

• Fever or loss of weight
• Lumps on the face or neck
• Skin lesions that are draining
• Excessive sinus discharge
• Chest pain

Why Does Actinomycosis Occur?

Particularly in the US, actinomycosis is a rare infection. Actinomycosis was once believed to be a fungal infection due to the condition’s slow spread. However, it is brought on by bacteria from the Actinomycetaceae family. The following are a few of the Actinomyces bacteria in this family:

• Actinomyces Israelii
• Actinomyces Naeslundii
• Actinomyces Viscosus
• Actinomyces Odontolyticus

These bacteria naturally inhabit your bodily cavities, such as your nose and throat, but they often don’t cause infection unless they can get beyond the barrier that protects them.

What Are the Actinomycosis Risk Factors?

You run a higher chance of getting actinomycosis if you:

Are undernourished, have a weakened immune system from medicine or another illness, neglected dental care following dental surgery or an injury to the mouth or jaw.

An oral or dental abscess is one of the most typical origins of actinomycosis. You should consult your doctor as soon as possible if you recently experienced an oral abscess. Additionally, it is thought that women who have used an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control are at a higher risk.

Actinomycosis Is Diagnosed in What Ways?

Typically, a fluid or tissue sample from the afflicted area is used to diagnose actinomycosis. Your doctor will submit the sample to a lab for investigation, where the presence of the Actinomyces bacterium will be determined. A microscope should be used to examine any such bacteria.

Possible Long-Term Problems

Actinomycosis begins in the body’s soft tissues but, if neglected, can spread to any nearby bone. If any bone is contaminated, surgery might be required to remove it. In order to remove the injured bone and tissue, surgery may be necessary if the infection is in the nasal sinuses.

Actinomycosis in the nasal sinuses can occasionally spread to the brain. Meningitis, a dangerous infection, could develop as a result.

Prevention of Actinomycosis

Good dental hygiene habits are one of the best methods to fend off actinomycosis. Make sure to visit your dentist frequently so they can identify any potential issues. Actinomycosis is largely curable and highly likely to be fully treatable with the right care.