The lungs are among the vital organs of humans. Impairment of the functioning and performance of the respiratory organ due to a lung abscess can result in extensive secondary diseases.
What is a lung abscess?
Infographic on the different lung diseases and their characteristics, anatomy and location. Click to enlarge. In the case of a lung abscess, physicians distinguish between different courses, in which pneumonia can develop in addition to the actual lung abscess. In the other case, a lung abscess progresses without pneumonia. The term pneumonia stands for inflammation of the lungs. Within the definition of lung abscess, it is a so-called necrotic abscess that grows in the lung tissue that is well supplied with blood. The danger for health, which is caused by a lung abscess, is based on its necrotic growth. In case of necrosis, tissue is destroyed, it dies. An abscess is characterized by the accumulation of pus in it, without the cavity opening by itself. Thus, the accumulations of pus cannot come out on their own in a lung abscess.
Causes
The majority of causes of lung abscess are based on lung inflammation, which is triggered by inhaled particles. These particles include pathogenic germs as well as predominantly fluids. In the case of the pathogens, microbiological examinations show that they are combinations of bacterial strains that represent a so-called aerobic or anerobic form of life. Aerobic means that the bacteria need oxygen to multiply. Anearobic germs grow without oxygen. Other causative factors that may result in lung abscess include pneumonia secondary to pulmonary artery occlusion or stenosis and bronchiectasis (enlargement of a bronchus).
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
In many cases, a lung abscess is not noticed for several days or weeks. The first symptoms are fatigue, lassitude, and loss of appetite. Patients lose weight dramatically, resulting in deficiency symptoms and a weakening of the immune system. The result is often further illness and discomfort. In the course of the disease, chills, fever, cough and other signs of illness are added. Fever and cough occur in phases and can vary in intensity. Furthermore, the abscess secretes a foul-smelling sputum, which is associated with a strong bad breath. A possible effusion of pus can lead to obstruction of the pulmonary arteries and, in the worst case, be fatal. As a result of co-inflammation of the pleura, severe pain and an increasing feeling of pressure develop in the chest, which further complicates breathing. In the late stages, persistent shortness of breath develops. If no treatment is given by then at the latest, serious symptoms such as blood poisoning or lung failure may develop. A lung abscess is always accompanied by severe symptoms and complaints that rapidly increase in intensity and are life-threatening for the patient. With appropriate treatment, they subside after a few days, with no late sequelae.
Diagnosis and course
With regard to the course of pulmonary abscess, specific symptoms occur, including the development of fever, which ranges from 37.5°C to 38°C and is more likely to be considered an elevated temperature. In addition, patients affected by lung abscess cough profusely and may develop shortness of breath. Due to the distribution of the disease-causing and pus-producing microbes, a lung abscess results in the secretion of purulent sputum during coughing. This occurs when the lung abscess is located near the bronchial tree. Complications of pulmonary abscess include sepsis, effusion of pus into the pleura, and pulmonary artery occlusion. These aspects are diagnostic for detecting a lung abscess. Radiographic studies are also helpful. These are augmented by lung computed tomography and microbiological examination of sputum as well as a so-called bronchoscopy. Since the pathogens of a lung abscess are found in the patient’s blood at a certain stage, a blood test can also yield results.
Complications
A lung abscess can have serious consequences. For example, a typical complication is the formation of fistula ducts, which in the further course leads to a breakthrough into the lung tissue. This can lead to blood poisoning and other life-threatening accompanying symptoms. A pleural empyema, i.e. a breakthrough of the abscess into the pleural cavity, is similarly serious. This can also lead to sepsis and sometimes to complete lung failure. Prior to this, breathing difficulties usually occur, which can lead to suffocation if left untreated. Rarely, a lung abscess can also lead to so-called gangrene, in which entire sections of the lung die. This complication occurs primarily in cases of lung abscesses that have been carried over or chronic diseases of the lung. An undetected lung abscess can spread and lead to severe physical and psychological sequelae. Depending on the severity of the disease, this can subsequently lead to organ failure, a wide variety of functional disorders and ultimately to the death of the patient, among other things. When treating a lung abscess, postoperative bleeding, hemorrhage, excessive scarring and temporary functional disorders may occur as a result of the operation. The prescribed drugs may cause allergic reactions and intolerances.
When should you see a doctor?
If lung pain, coughing up blood, and other signs of serious lung or respiratory illness are noticed, a visit to the doctor is recommended. General symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite or fever are warning signs that require evaluation. The same applies to night sweats, coughing with sputum or olfactory complaints. If the symptoms become more severe and do not subside on their own, medical advice is needed. The same applies to severe pain in the lung area. Risk groups include people who suffer from chronic lung disease, have a tumor in the lungs or malformations. Also, people who have swallowed a foreign body or are ill with a severe flu are susceptible to the development of a lung abscess and should definitely see a doctor with the aforementioned complaints. The right contact person is the general practitioner or a lung specialist. Depending on the symptoms, gastroenterologists, ENT specialists and internists may also be consulted. In case of a medical emergency, such as when the abscess opens, the affected person or their relatives must call the emergency doctor.
Treatment and therapy
To treat a lung abscess, medical professionals use proven therapies based on both medications and surgical procedures. Surgical intervention is considered for a lung abscess when the abscess does not show a decrease despite administration of antibiotics. Antibiotic use in this context is referred to as long-term use and, in the case of a lung abscess, includes a duration that is at least 6 weeks. Not every antibiotic drug proves useful in the treatment of lung abscess. In order to avoid a build-up of resistance in the organism, agents such as clindamycin are specifically prescribed for a lung abscess. These substances can prevent the mixed forms of bacteria that occur in lung abscesses from multiplying and spreading. The therapy can be supplemented by inhalation and medications that promote expectoration of the mucus. In some cases, the lung abscess bursts, but the pus is not necessarily drained from the lungs. If complications occur as a result, these are treated by more extensive measures in the case of a lung abscess.
Outlook and prognosis
If left untreated, lung abscess can result in the premature death of the affected person. Therefore, timely diagnosis and medical treatment are necessary for a good prognosis. Self-help measures or alternative healing methods are not sufficient to achieve recovery. The administration of medication leads to relief of the symptoms. Normally, the abscess gradually recedes until the patient is finally free of symptoms. If drug therapy is unsuccessful, surgery is performed. This is associated with various risks and side effects. If it proceeds without further complications and incidents, the affected person is discharged from treatment as symptom-free immediately after the wound healing process. In severe cases, the course of the disease may be unfavorable.An accompanying symptom is the possibility of blood poisoning. This circumstance represents a potentially life-threatening condition. Without intensive medical care, the patient is at risk of death. Although a lung abscess can lead to a complete recovery, there is a possibility that the affected person may suffer from secondary diseases. The impairment of lung activity can lead to severe emotional distress as well as permanent limitations in breathing activity. In addition to psychological disorders, organ failure can occur at any time. In addition, new development of a lung abscess is also possible. The risk of this is increased in people who suffer more frequently from pneumonia.
Prevention
The recommended preventive measures against lung abscess include, in particular, adequate oral hygiene, as well as a lifestyle that is positive for health and strengthening of the immune system. Within these factors, the consumption of tobacco products and alcohol should be avoided. The pathogens responsible for a lung abscess cannot be transmitted. Therefore, normal hygiene and disinfection of hands and surfaces is sufficient.
Aftercare
Most patients with healthy immune systems can completely resolve an illness. In them, it is important to prevent recurrence. Preventive measures include such things as avoiding recurrence and taking care of the airways. Sometimes sage tea and other naturopathic remedies help to speed up recovery. According to scientific knowledge, immunity does not exist after a single illness. Patients therefore run the risk of a new lung abscess forming again and again. Possible complications should not be underestimated. They often cause long-term damage. Lung failure in particular can have life-threatening consequences. For this reason, it is advisable in aftercare to also take advantage of simple methods such as a walk on the beach. The salty sea air opens the bronchial tubes and facilitates breathing; alternatively, a visit to a salt cave can also provide relief. Since a lung abscess is accompanied by a heavy strain on the lungs, those affected should continue to take it easy for quite a while after the acute phase of the illness. This also includes refraining from sports activities. These should only be resumed very cautiously to prevent a relapse and a worsening of the health condition.
What you can do yourself
To reduce the overall health risk, affected individuals should refrain from using nicotine. Neither active nor passive smoking should be done. This relieves the lungs and reduces the risk of disease to a considerable extent. Since a lung abscess requires the intervention of medical care, the sufferer has few options for doing something to improve his situation himself. In addition to preventive care, it is helpful if he avoids physical stress and restructures his daily routine accordingly. In order to avoid anxiety due to shortness of breath, calmness should be maintained. Excitement is to be avoided emotionally as well as physically. For mental relaxation, various procedures have proven to be effective, which the patient can perform on his own responsibility and with little effort. These include techniques such as yoga or meditation. Stress should always be kept as low as possible. It is helpful to exchange ideas with relatives so that consideration can be given, which leads to an improvement in well-being. To strengthen the immune system, a healthy and balanced diet is important and helpful. The consumption of alcohol is to be avoided, since it can lead to complications in interaction with the administered medication. Supplying the organism with sufficient oxygen is important in lung problems. Therefore, a daily stay in the fresh air is recommended.
