Pus in the lungs
Pus in the lungs is usually the result of pneumonia and represents a special form of this inflammation. This form is a lung abscess, i.e. an encapsulation of pus in the lung tissue. In contrast to the development of pus in the nose or throat, the bacteria that cause it have a much harder time getting into the lungs.
A typical cause is the aforementioned pneumonia. Tonsillitis is another important cause of a lung abscess. Especially if it is untreated or if the immune system of the affected person is weakened from the outset, pus-forming bacteria can multiply more easily.
Oral hygiene is another factor to be mentioned. Reduced oral hygiene is generally considered a risk factor for pneumonia. A lung abscess only becomes noticeable after a certain time.
However, it can be shown by an X-ray examination. Affected persons usually complain of fever, tiredness and, as the condition progresses, also difficulty breathing. In particularly severe cases, pus is discharged and can lead to occlusion of a pulmonary artery. Acute lung failure (ARDS) can also occur.
Complications
Smaller abscesses such as a harmless pimple on the face do not require treatment and usually heal on their own. The only important thing here is that they are not opened by squeezing or piercing. If this is done anyway, it should be noted that the pus fluid still contains numerous bacteria and is therefore contagious.
Therefore, careful hygiene of the abscess is of utmost importance in order not to cause further inflammation. Thorough hand washing before and after contact with the pus is a matter of course and it should be ensured that there is no contact with other body orifices or mucous membranes, as these are particularly at risk of being infected by the bacteria. In addition, towels or bed linen that came into contact with the pus should be cleaned.
In the case of larger abscesses that have had to be removed surgically, it is important that the wound remains open and is not sutured. This prevents residual pathogens and pus fluid from re-encapsulating from the surrounding tissue and forming a secondary abscess. In addition, drains are often placed in the open abscess to allow the subsequent pus to drain off in a controlled manner.
Blood poisoning can occur when the germs (mostly bacteria) from the pus enter the bloodstream. In an abscess, for example, the body forms a capsule around the pus to protect the surrounding tissue from the pathogens. If you try to push the abscess open on your own, the high pressure can cause the capsule to rupture and the pus flows into the adjacent tissue and the germs are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
The blood is thus poisoned by pathogens. The previously localized inflammation can spread to a systemic inflammation (sepsis). Since the blood circulates throughout the body, all organs can be attacked by the pathogen.
This represents a medical emergency and, in the worst case, causes multi-organ failure, which puts the body in a life-threatening situation. A quick therapy with antibiotics to kill the bacterium, as well as a cleansing of the focus of the inflammation is of enormous importance to fight against blood poisoning.