Lung Abscess

Definition

A lung abscess is a localized collection of pus in the lung tissue, usually caused by an infection.

Types

• Pyogenic lung abscess: caused by bacterial infection
• Amoebic lung abscess: caused by amoeba infection
• Fungal lung abscess: caused by fungal infection

Pathogenesis

• Infection of the lung tissue by bacteria, amoebas, or fungi
• Inflammation of the lung tissue
• Formation of pus in the lung tissue
• Abscess formation

Radiological Features

• Cavitary lesion: a hollow area in the lung tissue
• Consolidation: inflammation of the lung tissue
• Air-fluid level: a layer of air and fluid in the abscess

Causes

• Bacterial infection: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Amoebic infection: Entamoeba histolytica
• Fungal infection: Aspergillus and Histoplasma
• Foreign body: aspiration of a foreign object

Clinical Features

• Fever: high body temperature
• Chills: feeling of coldness
• Cough: production of mucus
• Hemoptysis: coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing

Investigations

• Chest X-ray: imaging of the lungs
• Computed Tomography (CT): imaging of the lungs and chest
• Blood tests: to check for infection
• Sputum culture: to identify the cause of the infection

Complications

• Empyema: infection of the pleural space
• Bronchopleural fistula: an abnormal connection between the bronchi and the pleural space
• Pneumothorax: air in the pleural space

Management

• Antibiotics: to treat bacterial infection
• Antiparasitic medication: to treat amoebic infection
• Antifungal medication: to treat fungal infection
• Surgical drainage: to remove the abscess

Surgical Drainage

• Thoracotomy: surgical incision in the chest
• Thorectomy: surgical removal of the lung tissue
• Abscess drainage: removal of the pus
• Closure of the wound: to prevent infection

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines

• Arsenicum album: to treat fever and chills
• Belladonna: to treat fever and pain
• Ipecacuanha: to treat cough and nausea
• Pulsatilla: to treat fever and respiratory problems

Indications for Surgical Drainage

• Large abscess: abscess greater than 4 cm in diameter
• Multiple abscesses: multiple abscesses in the lung tissue
• Failed medical treatment: failure of antibiotics to treat the infection
• Complications: empyema, bronchopleural fistula, and pneumothorax