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.
Harvard Medical Faculty Phys At Beth Israel Deaconess Med Ctr Inc
Adnan Majid is a Pulmonary Medicine provider in Brighton, Massachusetts. Dr. Majid is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His top areas of expertise are Tracheobronchomalacia, Pleural Effusion, Acquired Tracheomalacia, Advanced Bronchoscopy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Majid is currently accepting new patients.
Jose Porcel-Manuel practices in Lleida, Spain. Mr. Porcel-Manuel is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His top areas of expertise are Pleural Effusion, Empyema, Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion, Tissue Biopsy, and Endoscopy.
Proliance Surgeons
Steven M. Dawson, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist and has been practicing in Kirkland for over 28 years. His almost three decades of experience has armed him with a vast knowledge of ENT conditions focusing on the diagnoses and treatment of chronic sinus and nasal issues.His late father and brother were both doctors in Iowa, and his dad strongly encouraged him to follow in his footsteps. He decided to go into otolaryngology because he loves the idea of helping people solve the problems that are keeping them from enjoying life.Dr. Dawson has been active in the local medical community as a former Chief of Surgery at Evergreen Hospital. He is professionally interested in minimally invasive sinus surgeries and the most recent up-to-date imaging and surgical techniques.As a true Seattle sports enthusiast, Steven is a Seattle Seahawks season ticket holder and a strong supporter of bringing back the Seattle Supersonics. He enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking and fishing.Steven Dawson has been recognized by Seattle Met as a Top Doctor for many years running including 2019, 2020 and 2021. Dr. Dawson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Empyema. His top areas of expertise are Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Perichondritis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Septoplasty.
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: Pleura empyema is a frequent disease with a high morbidity and a mortality rate of approximately 15%. Pleura empyema is characterized by the passage of three stages (I - III). The aim of treating the disease is to remove the infection and provide fully expansion of the lung. The initial treatment at the early stage of the disease (stage I) is simple drainage. In clinical practice, stages II and II...
Summary: Infections of the pleural space are common, and patients require antibiotics and chest drain placement to evacuate the chest from the infected fluid. Chest drains can get blocked by the drainage fluid and material. For this reason, it is thought that flushing the chest drain with saline solution, can help maintain the patency of the tube. This proposed study will evaluate the impact of regular che...
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.