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Empyema

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Empyema

Definition

An empyema is a pocket of pus outside the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall. The fluid may build up and put pressure on the lungs. This can make it hard to breathe and may cause pain.

The Lungs (cut-away view).

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http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=49204920BQ00030.jpgBQ00030.jpgNULLjpgNose airway to lungsNULL\\filer01a\Intellect\images\BQ00030.jpgNULL11NULL2003-04-163803904920_965342Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

Empyema is caused by a lung infection that spreads outside of the lung.

It can also happen after some chest procedures, such as thoracentesis.

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of empyema are having:

Symptoms

Symptoms of empyema may be:

  • Coughing
  • Problems breathing
  • Fever, chills, and sweating
  • Chest pain
  • Losing weight without trying

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Pictures of the lungs and chest may be taken with:

Thoracentesis may be done. A needle will be inserted through the chest wall. The needle collects fluids for testing.

Treatment

Antibiotics are given to treat the infection.

Surgery may be done to drain the empyema of infected fluid. It may be done with:

  • Thoracentesis
  • A chest tube

Diseased tissue and fluids may be removed with surgery. This can be done with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or thoracotomy.

Prevention

Get medical help right away for any symptoms of a lung infection.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Empyema. NHS Choices website. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/empyema.
  • Godfrey MS, Bramley KT, Detterbeck F. Medical and Surgical Management of Empyema. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2019 Jun;40(3):361-374.
  • Parapneumonic effusion and empyema in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/parapneumonic-effusion-and-empyema-in-adults.
  • Pleural effusion and empyema. Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital website. Available at: https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/beth-israel/care/thoracic-surgery.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.