Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Actinomycosis

Alternative Names:

Lumpy jaw

Treatment:

Treatment for actinomycosis is long-term, with 1-2 months of penicillin given through a vein, followed by 6-12 months of penicillin taken by mouth. Other drugs have also been effective.

Note: Doxycycline 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 from 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 helps quicken the recovery.

Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

Actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com