Lung abscess
Lung Abscess[edit | edit source]
A lung abscess is a type of pulmonary lesion characterized by the formation of a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic abscess within the lung parenchyma. It is often a complication of serious underlying conditions and requires prompt medical attention.
Definition and Overview[edit | edit source]
A lung abscess is a pus-filled cavity in the lung surrounded by inflamed tissue. It is typically caused by an infection, leading to the necrosis of pulmonary tissue.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Various conditions can lead to the development of a lung abscess, including:
Aspiration Pneumonia[edit | edit source]
Occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit are inhaled into the lungs, leading to infection.
Necrotizing Pneumonia[edit | edit source]
A severe form of bacterial pneumonia that destroys areas of lung tissue.
Necrotizing Malignant Tumors[edit | edit source]
Certain types of cancer can lead to necrosis and abscess formation in the lung.
Wegener's Granulomatosis[edit | edit source]
Now known as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), this is an autoimmune condition that can cause lung abscesses.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of a lung abscess may include:
- Persistent cough
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of a lung abscess involves several steps:
Imaging Tests[edit | edit source]
- Chest X-rays
- CT scans
Laboratory Tests[edit | edit source]
- Blood tests
- Sputum culture
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for a lung abscess typically involves:
Antibiotics[edit | edit source]
Long-term antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for bacterial lung abscesses.
Drainage[edit | edit source]
In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to drain the abscess.
Complications[edit | edit source]
Untreated lung abscesses can lead to serious complications, including:
- Sepsis
- Hemorrhage
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Preventive measures include:
- Prompt treatment of pneumonia and other lung infections
- Vaccinations
- Avoidance of smoking
References[edit | edit source]
Lung abscess Resources | ||
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Resources[edit source]
Latest articles - Lung abscess
Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Lung abscess for any updates.
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