Empyema Overview
Learn About Empyema
Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).
Empyema - pleural; Pyothorax; Pleurisy - purulent
Empyema is usually caused by an infection that spreads directly from the lung. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space.
There can be 2 cups (1/2 liter) or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs.
Risk factors include:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Chest surgery
- Lung abscess
- Trauma or injury to the chest
In rare cases, empyema can occur after thoracentesis. This is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through the chest wall to remove fluid in the pleural space for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Symptoms of empyema may include any of the following:
- Chest pain, which worsens when you breathe in deeply (pleurisy)
- Dry cough
- Excessive sweating, especially night sweats
- Fever and chills
- General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss (unintentional)
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. This involves the following:
- Placing a tube in your chest to drain the pus
- Giving you antibiotics to control the infection
If you have problems breathing, you may need surgery to help your lung expand properly.
Heartland Regional Medical Center
Hemant Sheth is a Pulmonary Medicine provider in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Dr. Sheth and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His top areas of expertise are Asthma in Children, Asthma, Grass Allergy, Advanced Bronchoscopy, and Gallbladder Removal. Dr. Sheth is currently accepting new patients.
Heartland Regional Medical Center
James Gaunt is an Otolaryngologist in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Dr. Gaunt and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His top areas of expertise are Empyema, Sinusitis, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Myringotomy, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Gaunt is currently accepting new patients.
Heartland Regional Medical Center
Asad Kabir is a Pulmonary Medicine specialist and an Intensive Care Medicine provider in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Dr. Kabir and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His top areas of expertise are Lung Metastases, Asthma, Asthma in Children, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Advanced Bronchoscopy. Dr. Kabir is currently accepting new patients.
When empyema complicates pneumonia, the risk for permanent lung damage and death goes up. Long-term treatment with antibiotics and drainage are needed.
In general, most people fully recover from empyema.
Having empyema may lead to the following:
- Pleural thickening
- Reduced lung function
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of empyema.
Prompt and effective treatment of lung infections may prevent some cases of empyema.
Summary: To evaluate the impact of using different antibiotic regimens including single and combined agents as the empirical therapy and evaluate the clinical outcomes regarding safety, efficacy, and pharmacodynamics parameters.
Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sodium bicarbonate pleural lavage in treating complex pleural effusion in adult. The main questions it aims to answer are: Will sodium bicarbonate pleural lavage reduce the failure rate of medical treatment (referral rate for surgery) for complicated pleural effusion？ Can sodium bicarbonate pleural lavage accelerating the re...
Published Date: August 26, 2023
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Broaddus VC, Light RW. Pleural effusion. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 108.
McCool FD. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 86.