EMPYEMA

 Basic information

description

Empyema is a collection of pus in a body cavity. It usually occurs in the space around the lungs (pleural cavity). It may rarely occur in other parts of the body. Older adults (men more than women) and young children are more often affected.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Chest pain. Pain varies from slight discomfort to stabbing pain. It is often worse with coughing or breathing. Pain may extend to the lower chest wall or stomach.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• Chills.
• Fever.
• Sweating, especially night sweats.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Dry cough.
• Bad breath.
• Weight loss.

causes

• Usually a complication of pneumonia. Infection causes pus to build up in the pleural cavity. The pus, which can amount to a pint or more, puts pressure on the lungs and causes breathing problems.
• Gallbladder empyema usually results from infection and inflammation.

risk increases with

• Lung or chest infections.
• Chest injury.
• Thoracic surgery.
• Infection from elsewhere in the body that has spread to the lungs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures.

expected outcomes

Outcome will depend on several factors: severity of the infection, patient's health, any underlying disease, and how effective the treatment is. In otherwise healthy persons, the outcome is generally good.

possible complications

They may include lung failure or severe infection. Complications are more likely in the elderly and very ill.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. X-ray, CT, or ultrasound tests may be done of the chest. A sample of the pus may be taken for testing by using a needle inserted through the back into the affected area.
• Treatment is done in a hospital and usually involves giving drugs to treat infection and a procedure to drain the pus (fluid).
• The fluid may be drained by using a chest tube or other type of surgery depending on the extent of the infection. The options will be explained to you by the surgeon.

medications

Antibiotics for infection are given through a vein (IV).

activity

Gradually return to normal activity after treatment. Allow 2 months for recovery.

diet

A special diet may be required while in the hospital. After treatment, resume a normal diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of empyema.
• Following treatment, any signs of infection occur, such as fever, chills, aches, or pain.

Special Notes: