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Empyema Causes and Risks:
Empyema is caused by an infection that spreads from the lung and leads to an accumulation of pus in the pleural space. The infected fluid can build up to a quantity of a pint or more, which puts pressure on the lungs, causing shortness of breath and pain. Risk factors include recent pulmonary (lung) conditions including bacterial pneumonia , lung abscess , thoracic surgery, trauma or injury to the chest, or thoracentesis (a needle inserted through the chest wall to draw off fluid in the pleural space). Empyema occurs in 1 out of 10,000 people.
Prevention:
Prompt treatment of pulmonary (lung) infections may prevent some cases of
empyema.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Abnormal findings, such as friction rub, may be noted when listening to the chest with a stethoscope ( auscultation ).
Tests include:
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and remove the collection of pus from the lung. Antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection. A procedure called thoracentesis , the draining of the infected fluid through the chest wall by a needle, may be performed.
Surgery may be indicated for removal of the fluid if it is too thick to remove by thoracentesis. A chest tube may remain in place after the surgery for continued drainage of pus.
Prognosis:
Usually empyema does not result in permanent pulmonary damage.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of empyema develop.
This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
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