Empyema

• Empyema

  • Empyema is a collection of pus in pleural space
  • Empyema is caused by infection that spreads from the lung
  • Bacterial pneumonia
  • Lung abscess
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Trauma or injury to the chest
• Empyema – clinical features:

  • Chest pain, which worsens on deep inspiration
  • Dry cough
  • Excessive sweating, especially night sweats
  • Fever and chills
  • General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unintentional weight loss
• Management of Empyema:

  • Treatment aim is to cure infection and remove collection of pus from the lung
  • Antibiotics prescribed to control infection
  • Doctor may place a pigtail or intercostal chest drain (ICD) to 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