About
A lung abscess is a pus-filled cavity in the lungs caused by an infection. A pulmonary abscess can be serious if left untreated, leading to complications such as bleeding in the lungs or a stroke.
Symptoms
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Persistent cough
Later signs and symptoms may include:
- Pain with deep breathing
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Shortness of breath
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
Causes
Some conditions that affect the lungs may lead to a lung abscess
- Pneumonia: Any type of pneumonia may lead to a lung abscess, especially if diagnosis and treatment are delayed
- Tumors
- Lung disease
- Immune deficiency
Diagnosis
There are different ways to diagnose the lung abscess, namely:
Clinical Evaluation:
- This may include focusing on medical history for symptoms and risk factors. Physical examination particularly involves auscultation of the lungs, i.e., listening to the lungs with a stethoscope
- Imaging Studies
- Chest X-ray
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Laboratory Tests
- Sputum Culture and Gram Stain
- Blood Tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Pleural Fluid Analysis (if pleural effusion is present)
Treatment
Although the treatment may differ depending on severity, early and aggressive treatment is extremely important for the successful management of a lung abscess and the prevention of complications.
- Antibiotic Therapy
- Supportive Care
- Drainage Procedures
- Surgical Intervention
- Monitoring and Follow-Up
- Prevention of Recurrence
