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An empyema is an accumulation of puss in any body cavity. The most common location for an empyema is in the space found between the lung and the chest wall. This space is known as the pleural space. Empyemas are becoming somewhat less common due to the use of antibiotics.

Empyemas can be caused by a number of different problems. Most commonly they are caused by an infection of the lung, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. They can also be caused by a lung abscess. Any injury to the chest wall or lung can also cause and empyema.

Empyemas can also be caused by problems not related directly to the lung. They can happen in people who have congestive heart failure, liver disorders, kidney disorders, or diseases which cause systemic problems such as lupus.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of an empyema is chest pain. This pain is typically a vague discomfort although in some people it will be a sharp stabbing pain. Pain associated with an empyema is often worse when a person inhales or coughs. Typically the pain will only be found above the level of the diaphragm, however it can radiate down into the abdomen.

People with an empyema will often experience rapid and shallow breathing. Fever and chills are quite common as well. If an empyema goes untreated for a long period of time fatigue and weight loss become more common.

Risk factors

Although it is often difficult to predict who is predisposed to get an empyema, there are some risk factors which have been associated with their development. People who have chronic recurrent illnesses such as cancer, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, or malignancies in any other part of the body are often predisposed to empyemas. Smokers are at greater risk. People who live in crowded or unsanitary conditions are often at increased risk, as well as people who live in colder climates.

Treatment

Your doctor will diagnose and empyema based on the clinical picture presented, as well as chest x-rays and blood tests. Once the diagnosis of empyema is established, treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics. Pain can be controlled with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Advil. In some cases treatment will involve surgery. This surgery is intended to drain the infected pus from the body cavity which is infected.

Outcomes for empyema tend to be quite good if the diagnosis is made properly and treatment is initiated appropriately. Draining pus from an infected empyema is an important step in reducing the severity of the illness. A large percentage of people will require hospitalization and the doses of antibiotics as well. Even with aggressive treatment, many people will take up to two months to recover from an empyema.

Because the symptoms of an empyema are very nonspecific, and can be seen in many other conditions, you must rely on your doctor to determine if you have an empyema. Should you experience any symptoms related to an empyema, speak with your doctor as soon as you can.

Learn more about this author, Erich Rosenberger M.D..
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