Lung Abscess

Lung abscess is a serious medical condition characterized by localized collection of pus within the lung tissue. It is an abscess that develops as a result of an infection that progresses to necrosis in some [part of the] lung and starts accumulating pus. Lung abscesses generally occur due to bacterial infections, especially because of anaerobic bacteria that prefer a low-oxygen environment like the lung. The infection forms a cavity that subsequently fills with pus and may then damage the surrounding lung tissue. Sometimes, such severe bacterial infections may result in the occurrence of a lung abscess as a complication of pneumonia or aspiration of foreign products. Prior conditions such as COPD, immunocompromised states, and others could predispose the patient to develop lung abscesses. The abscess may be a result of an attempt of the body to wall off the infection from further extension into the lung. The typical symptoms of a lung abscess include persistent cough, fever, chills, and weight loss. Chest pain and the production of foul-smelling sputum are also likely to challenge the patients. Sometimes, hemoptysis or coughing up blood may occur. If not managed appropriately, a lung abscess may be complicated by having the infection spread to other parts of your body, progressive damage to your lung, or even eventually complete respiratory failure. Diagnosis of a lung abscess essentially consists of imaging studies such as chest X-rays or computed tomography scans. Imaging studies are done to diagnose the presence of the abscess, locate it, and estimate its size. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics to treat the infection and, in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the abscess.