Empyema and Lung Infections

Empyema is an infection in which pus develops in the space between the lungs and underneath the chest wall, otherwise known as the pleural space. If you experience symptoms, call a health care professional right away for treatment.

Symptoms and Causes:

• Symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, fever, trouble breathing, cough, fatigue and weight loss.
• The most common cause is pneumonia, but other causes include tuberculosis, lung abscess, chest surgery or chest or trauma injury.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• A doctor will conduct a physical exam and collect fluid from around the lung. If empyema is suspected, tests such as X-rays, CT scans and blood tests can be completed to confirm the diagnosis.
• In the early stages, a thin needle can remove pus from the pleural space, and antibiotics will assist the infection.
• In the later stages, a doctor may need to perform a more invasive procedure, such as surgically removing fibrous tissue, a thoracotomy or a video-assisted thoracic surgery.