Empyema Treatment, Symptoms and Risk Factors
An empyema is a collection of pus within a naturally existing anatomical cavity. Usually, this term refers to pus inside pleural cavity, or “pleural space.” Because empyema is pus, and pus is caused by an infection, empyema can lead to life-threatening problems such as sepsis (bacteria in the blood) and shock.
Empyema is usually caused by an infection that spreads from the lung. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space. Lung infections, such as pneumonia, and lung abscess are two of the most common ways that bacteria get into pleural space.
Risk factors include: Bacterial pneumonia, Chest surgery, Lung abscess, Trauma or injury to the chest.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, which worsens when you breathe in deeply (pleurisy)
- Excessive sweating, especially night sweats
- Dry cough
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Fever and chills
- Weight loss (unintentional)
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. This involves removing 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.
