EmpyemaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
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 lungs. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space. 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 lungs expand properly.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Adnan Majid is an Internal Medicine provider practicing medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Majid is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 22 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Tracheobronchomalacia, Pleural Effusion, Acquired Tracheomalacia, Advanced Bronchoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Majid is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
Swedish Thoracic Surgery - First Hill
Dr. Gorden believes in tailoring care to the individual patient needs and finding therapeutic options for patients with all stages of disease. Dr. Gorden is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pleural Effusion, Empyema, Lung Cancer, and Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma. Dr. Gorden is currently accepting new patients.
Unity Urology PC
Jason Carter is a Urologist practicing medicine in Greeneville, Tennessee. Dr. Carter is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. He is also highly rated in 44 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Enlarged Prostate (BPH), UPJ Obstruction, Urinary Tract Infection in Children, Ureteroscopy, and Prostatectomy. Dr. Carter is board certified in American Board Of Urology.
When empyema complicates pneumonia, the risk for permanent lung damage and death goes up. Long-term treatment with antibiotics and drainage is 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: Traumatic pneumothorax and hemothorax are common consequences of chest injury, often requiring prompt tube thoracostomy to re-expand the lung and drain accumulated blood or air. Current practice varies widely regarding whether chest tubes should initially be placed to suction or to water seal, and prior studies have reported mixed findings. While suction may theoretically improve drainage and lung...
Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to find out if giving certain medications once a day works just as well as giving them twice a day to treat infections around the lungs (called pleural infections). These medications-tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase)-are placed through a chest tube into the space between the lung and the chest wall to help clear out the infection. T...
Published Date: August 05, 2025
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. 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.
Parta M, Nussenblatt V. Pleural effusion and empyema. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 70.