Learn About Empyema

What is the definition of Empyema?

Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).

What are the alternative names for Empyema?

Empyema - pleural; Pyothorax; Pleurisy - purulent

What are the causes of Empyema?

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.

What are the symptoms of Empyema?

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)
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What are the current treatments for Empyema?

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.

Who are the top Empyema Local Doctors?
Family Medicine
Family Medicine
1345 Hwy 343, 
Neon, KY 
 1.0 mi

Brenda Baker is a Family Medicine provider in Neon, Kentucky. Dr. Baker and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. Her top areas of expertise are Otitis Media with Effusion, Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), and Vertigo.

Family Medicine
Family Medicine
853 Lakeside Dr, 
Jenkins, KY 
 4.2 mi

Michael Cook is a Family Medicine provider in Jenkins, Kentucky. Dr. Cook and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Hypertension.

 
 
 
 
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Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation

226 Medical Plaza Ln, 
Whitesburg, KY 
 8.9 mi

April Hall-Slone is an Internal Medicine provider in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Dr. Hall-Slone and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. Her top areas of expertise are Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, Advanced Bronchoscopy, and Gastrostomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Empyema?

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.

What are the possible complications of Empyema?

Having empyema may lead to the following:

  • Pleural thickening
  • Reduced lung function
When should I contact a medical professional for Empyema?

Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of empyema.

How do I prevent Empyema?

Prompt and effective treatment of lung infections may prevent some cases of empyema.

What are the latest Empyema Clinical Trials?
Effectiveness and Safety of Sodium Bicarbonate Pleural Lavage in the Treatment of Complex Pleural Effusion: Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial(SAPLIC Study)

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...

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Increasing Incidence of Complicated Pneumonia in Children in South-East Europe: a Retrospective Multi-center Analysis of Incidence, Characteristics and Outcomes

Summary: This retrospective observational study aims to evaluate clinical course of complicated community acquired pneumonia in children, particularly focusing on necrotizing pneumonia cases, as well as determination of etiological agents (viruses and bacteria) and its association to severity and outcomes of the disease. Furthermore, therapeutic approach, complications, short-term and long-term outcomes an...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

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.

What are the references for this article ?

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.