What causes shortness of breath after popping infected bumps?
Patient: My mother 57 years old has had smelly white cheesy filled bumps on her back most of her life.  I popped them last night for her tons of this yucky stuff came out and now she is very cold and has shortness of breath do you think the infection coming out could make her physically sick? Doctor: Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, severe infection (sepsis) is more likely cause for her symptoms. She might be having gluteal abscess. And the stuff you are talking about it pus only. Pus is liquefaction of tissue due to local infection which is uncontrolled. This severe form of infection can also spread to blood. This is known as sepsis. Sepsis is most common cause fir hypotension (septic shock). And this hypotension causes shortness breath, cold clammy skin. So your mother is mostly having sepsis. Better to consult doctor and start antibiotics and surgical debridement of pus. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.