Pleural empyema (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{ | {{Pleural empyema (patient information)}} | ||
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[ | '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Pleural empyema|here]]''' | ||
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor | {{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' [[User: Mohammed Sbeih|Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D.]][mailto:msbeih@perfuse.org] Phone:617-849-2629 | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
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==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space). | |||
Causes | |||
Empyema is usually caused by an infection that spreads from the lung. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space. | |||
There can be a pint or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs. | |||
Risk factors include: | |||
Bacterial pneumonia | |||
Chest surgery | |||
Lung abscess | |||
Trauma or injury to the chest | |||
In rare cases, empyema can occur after a needle is inserted through the chest wall to draw off fluid in the pleural space for medical diagnosis or treatment (thoracentesis). | |||
Symptoms | |||
Chest pain, which worsens when you breathe in deeply (pleurisy) | |||
Dry cough | |||
Excessive sweating, especially night sweats | |||
Fever and chills | |||
General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise) | |||
Shortness of breath | |||
Weight loss (unintentional) | |||
Exams and Tests | |||
The health care provider may note decreased breath sounds or an abnormal sound (friction rub) when listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation). | |||
Tests may include the following: | |||
Chest x-ray | |||
CT scan of chest | |||
Pleural fluid Gram stain and culture | |||
Thoracentesis | |||
Treatment | |||
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and remove the collection of pus from the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall. Antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection. | |||
The health care provider will place a chest tube to completely drain the pus. A surgeon may need to perform a procedure to peel away the lining of the lung (decortication) if the lung does not expand properly. | |||
Outlook (Prognosis) | |||
When empyema complicates pneumonia, the risk of permanent lung damage and death goes up. Patients will need long-term treatment with antibiotics and drainage. However, most people fully recover from empyema. | |||
Possible Complications | |||
Pleural thickening | |||
Reduced lung function | |||
When to Contact a Medical Professional | |||
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of empyema. | |||
Prevention | |||
Prompt and effective treatment of lung infections may prevent some cases of empyema. | |||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
Revision as of 15:11, 12 August 2011
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Pleural empyema |
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Pleural empyema On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D.[2] Phone:617-849-2629
Overview
What are the symptoms of Pleural empyema?
What causes Pleural empyema?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Diagnosis
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Pleural empyema?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pleural empyema
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Possible complications
Prevention
Sources
Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).
Causes Empyema is usually caused by an infection that spreads from the lung. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space.
There can be a pint or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs.
Risk factors include:
Bacterial pneumonia Chest surgery Lung abscess Trauma or injury to the chest In rare cases, empyema can occur after a needle is inserted through the chest wall to draw off fluid in the pleural space for medical diagnosis or treatment (thoracentesis).
Symptoms Chest pain, which worsens when you breathe in deeply (pleurisy) Dry cough Excessive sweating, especially night sweats Fever and chills General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise) Shortness of breath Weight loss (unintentional) Exams and Tests The health care provider may note decreased breath sounds or an abnormal sound (friction rub) when listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation).
Tests may include the following:
Chest x-ray CT scan of chest Pleural fluid Gram stain and culture Thoracentesis Treatment The goal of treatment is to cure the infection and remove the collection of pus from the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall. Antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection.
The health care provider will place a chest tube to completely drain the pus. A surgeon may need to perform a procedure to peel away the lining of the lung (decortication) if the lung does not expand properly.
Outlook (Prognosis) When empyema complicates pneumonia, the risk of permanent lung damage and death goes up. Patients will need long-term treatment with antibiotics and drainage. However, most people fully recover from empyema.
Possible Complications Pleural thickening Reduced lung function When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of empyema.
Prevention Prompt and effective treatment of lung infections may prevent some cases of empyema. Template:WH Template:WS