Empyema

Synonyms

pus accumulation, pus cavity

Definition

If pus accumulates in a prefabricated body cavity during an inflammation, the expert calls this accumulation Empyema.

General information

Pus often develops during an inflammatory reaction, especially in bacterial infections. Pus is usually yellow and viscous, but in general its composition and composition is quite variable. Figuratively speaking, pus is what remains from an immune defence battle: dead pathogens (mostly bacteria), dead defenders (leukocytes) as well as tissue waste caused by collateral damage.

This waste is produced, for example, by pathogen toxins or the body’s own substances (such as so-called proteases that break down proteins), which damage the surrounding body tissue. If the inflammatory process takes place very close to or even in a pre-existing body cavity, it is obvious that pus is accumulating in this cavity: an empyema develops. Depending on which body cavity is affected, an empyema can be described in more detail. Empyema can also develop in the pleural cavity, i.e. between the lung sheaths, and can have undesirable consequences. At this point, you should also deal with the topic: Pleural empyema – what is behind it?

Causes

Especially pus-forming germs (pyogenic pathogens) are responsible for purulent inflammations. Many bacteria of the groups of staphylococci and streptococci belong to the pus-forming germs and cause the majority of clinically observed empyema. In exceptional cases, viral infections, diseases caused by parasites and autoimmune diseases can also take a purulent course.

However, it is extremely unlikely that pus formation is then quantitatively so pronounced that an empyema can develop. A gallbladder empyema usually develops in the course of an inflammation of the gallbladder – usually originally triggered by a gall stone – in which bacteria have colonized the bladder. A pleural empyema – an accumulation of pus in the gap between the lung and the chest wall – is often caused by an inflammation of the lungs (pleuritis).

This is a common complication of bacterial pneumonia, for example pneumococcus. Another complication is the simple accumulation of pus in the lungs. Empyema in the maxillary sinus, in the abdominal cavity (purulent peritonitis) or in joints (pyarthros) is also possible and is also usually an expression of an underlying bacterial infection.