Lung Abscess

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

Our Lung Abscess Specialists

Dr. Mandeep Singh

Director - Pulmonary Medicine Department

MBBS, MD, DM(T.B, Res. Disease)

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Dr. Navdeep Singh Nanda

Thoracic Surgeon

MBBS(Gold Medalist), MS(General Surgery), DNB(Thoracic Surgery), MNAMS

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Dr. Dilbag Singh

Consultant-Pulmonary Medicine

MBBS MD Pulmonary Medicine DNB Respiratory Medicine Ex DM SR (Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine ) SKIMS Certified interventional Pulmonologist (NCCP ) Fellowship Sleep Medicine

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