Empyema and Lung Abscess, Treatment Information and Symptoms

A lung abscess is a localized area of pus formation in the lung parenchyma. As the abscess grows the tissue becomes necrotic or dies causing the area to collapse creating a cavity.

A lung abscess may develop from aspiration of gastric contents, bacterial problems such as pneumonia or a mechanical obstruction such as a tumor. Signs and symptoms of a lung abscess include chills, fever, weight loss, chest discomfort and a productive cough.

The sputum may be purulent or may be blood tinged. Normal treatment for lung abscesses consist of postural drainage and antibiotic therapy. However in some rare instances a lobectomy has been performed.

CT scan can in some instances locate the lung abscess, as well as chest percussion may detect dullness in a certain area. People who have altered immune system problems are at a high risk for lung abscesses.

People with any kind of breathing issues should be encouraged to breath deeply, take antibiotics as prescribed and cough frequently.

Empyema is a word used to describe pus in a body cavity, however it usually refers to pus or infective pleural cavity fluid. Empyema may follow a chest trauma or a preexisting condition such as pneumonia or TB.

Medical treatment or surgical management is commonly done by aspiration of the purulent fluid by thoracentesis.
A thoracotomy is a surgical opening of the thorax and then one or two large chest tubes are inserted.
Inadequate treatment of empyema may make the condition chronic and a thick coating can form over the lung preventing it from expanding as normal. Decortication is removal of this thick coating. Empyema usually takes a long time to resolve.

I have been a nurse for a long time and many respiratory problems are exacerbated by failure to notice problems due to other medical conditions such as upper respiratory infections, sinus problems, allergy issues. Also many people who suffer from lung abscesses or empyema are in need of emotional support for their conditions.

A diet high in protein and calories can be key in someone suffering from lung abscesses. Encouragement and positivity is highly encouraged for anyone suffering from empyema or lung abscesses. These conditions unfortunately are extremely hard to manage and many patients suffer from malaise, anorexia, chest discomfort and fevers. As well as some people suffer from diminished breath sounds along with progressive breathing difficulties.

I have been a nurse a long time and regularly tell patients to describe their breathing problems in detail as well as if they have a productive cough they should try and bring a sample of their sputum into to be examined.

References for this article include: hopkins-abxguide.org/diagnosis/respiratory/lung_abscess.html
emedicine.medscape.com/article/299425-overview
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000123.htm