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 Pulmonologist Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Specialist
MD Pulmonary Medicine , DNB Respiratory Medicine, MRCP UK SCE , Eupoean Diploma Respiratory Medicine , Fellowship Sleep Medicine ( ISDA ) , Fellowship Critical Care Medicine ( Gurgaon Fortis ) Ex DM Fellow ( SKIMS )
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FAQs
Complications can include the spread of infection to other parts of the body, respiratory failure, and rarely, the formation of a fistula (abnormal connection) between the lung and other structures.
Recurrence is possible, especially if the underlying cause (such as chronic lung disease) is not effectively treated or if there are complications during initial treatment.
To reduce the risk, it’s important to manage underlying conditions that predispose to lung infections, practice good oral hygiene to prevent aspiration, and seek prompt treatment for respiratory infections.
