Purulento

Purulento is a Spanish adjective used in medical language to describe material or processes that contain or produce pus. In English, the equivalent term is purulent. The noun purulencia or purulencia describes the state of purulence. The word derives from Latin purulentus, from pus, and is commonly used in clinical notes to describe secretions, wounds, or infections that are pus-filled.

In medical contexts, purulence indicates an inflammatory response to bacterial infection; purulent exudate consists of neutrophils, bacteria, necrotic tissue, and fluid. It is often found in abscesses, infected wounds, or mucosal surfaces, and can present as purulent discharge from a wound, ear, or respiratory tract.

Clinical signs include localized tenderness, swelling, redness, and discharge; systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise may accompany more extensive infections. Diagnosis relies on physical examination and laboratory tests or culture of purulent material; imaging may be used to assess abscess formation.

Management focuses on controlling infection: drainage of collections (incision and drainage) when appropriate, appropriate antibiotic therapy guided by culture, wound care, and treatment of the underlying cause. Early treatment reduces risk of spread and complications; prognosis varies with infection site and host factors.

See also: pus, suppuration, abscess, purulence, purulent discharge.