Lung abscess or pus around the lung (empyema)

Overview

An abscess is a pus pocket inside the lung; empyema is pus between the lung and chest wall.

Both often follow pneumonia or inhaling mouth contents.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Fever and cough

Less common

• Bad-smelling phlegm
• Chest pain
• Bad-smelling mucus

Look up a symptom: Cough · Fever · Losing weight without trying

When to get medical care

Causes

Infection.

Does it spread or run in families?

• The illness itself usually isn't passed to others, but some germs that cause it can spread.
• Washing hands often helps.

Who is more likely to get it

• Aspiration

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CT:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Take all antibiotics
• Breathe deeply

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat pneumonia early
• Good dental care

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People with poor dental health: Higher risk.
• People who drink heavily: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most heal with treatment.

Most recover with treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Do I need a drain?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Lung abscess or pus around the lung (empyema)