Pulmonary abscess

Introduction A lung abscess is a circumscribed melting of lung tissue. In the process, abscess cavities are formed, which almost always have purulent contents. There are different causes for this, mostly in connection with infections. Causes The causes are usually severe pneumonia, pulmonary infarction, aspiration of purulent secretions (e.g. from a purulent tonsillitis), emphysema, bronchiectasis, … Pulmonary abscess

Diagnosis | Pulmonary abscess

Diagnosis The diagnosis of a lung abscess can often be made on the basis of the clinical picture. X-rays of the lungs are then used to prove the diagnosis. A computer tomography then shows the exact course of the abscess cavity. The blood count shows an increase in inflammation values, such as CRP, leukocytes and … Diagnosis | Pulmonary abscess

Complications | Pulmonary abscess

Complications Complicated courses of a pulmonary abscess consist in a permanent fistula formation (especially in chronic abscesses) and in a breakthrough into the lung tissue. Severe cases can develop septically, i.e. with life-threatening accompanying symptoms that can lead to death. Another serious complication is the gangrene of the lung tissue, i.e. the death of entire … Complications | Pulmonary abscess

How can a lung abscess be distinguished from a lung tumor? | Pulmonary abscess

How can a lung abscess be distinguished from a lung tumor? If the radiological image of the lung shows a roundish structure in the area of the lung tissue, a tumor must always be diagnostically excluded, even if in most cases it is inflammation, abscesses or other lung diseases. Important indications of an abscess are … How can a lung abscess be distinguished from a lung tumor? | Pulmonary abscess

Pus in the lungs

What is meant by pus in the lungs? When pus occurs in the lungs, it can have various causes. In the case of bronchitis or pneumonia, pus can occur in the lungs, which can be coughed up in the form of yellowish sputum. It is also possible that pus develops in the context of a … Pus in the lungs

Diagnosis | Pus in the lungs

Diagnosis The diagnosis “pus in the lungs” is usually the result of a detailed anamnesis with a corresponding medical history and a general physical examination, including listening and tapping of the lungs. Imaging in the sense of ultrasound examinations, chest x-rays or computed tomography (CT) with determination of the configuration, size and location of the … Diagnosis | Pus in the lungs

Therapy | Pus in the lungs

Therapy The therapy of pus in the lungs has several frequently applied approaches and depends very much on the individual situation and the course of the disease. It includes approaches to positively influence the healing process with or without medication, a targeted and efficient antibiotic therapy. Initially, in most cases a broad spectrum of pathogens … Therapy | Pus in the lungs

What is a pleural empyema?

Definition – What is a pleural empyema? The translation of the technical term “pleural empyema” means an accumulation of pus in the pleura. The pleura describes an envelope of the lungs, which consists of two leaves. The lung itself is covered by a thin leaf of the pleura, the so-called “visceral pleura”. From the outside, … What is a pleural empyema?