Lung Abscess: Lung infection that is accompanied by
pus accumulation and tissue destruction. It often has a well defined
border. Anaerobic or aerobic bacteria can cause lung abscess.
Antibiotics has made the condition much less common now than formerly.
Poor oral hygiene with dental or gingival (gum) disease is strongly associated
with putrid lung abscess.
Symptoms:
Cough – may produce bloody, purulent, or foul smelling sputum.
Pleuritic chest pain
Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
Excessive sweating -Diaphoresis
Chills Fever
Headache
Malaise
Weight Loss
Crackles
Diminished breath sounds
Treatment:
Prolonged antibiotic therapy
Postural drainage may help discharge necrotic material into upper airways,
where expectoration is possible.
Oxygen therapy may be needed
Poor therapeutic response requires resection of the lesion or removal
of the diseased section of the lung.
All patients need rigorous follow up and serial chest X-rays.