Tertiary Respiratory Center
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam.
Lung abscess is a localized collection of pus within the lung tissue, typically caused by a bacterial infection. This condition usually occurs when the body’s defenses are compromised, leading to the development of an infection that the body is unable to clear. Common causes include aspiration of oral or gastric contents (often in individuals with impaired swallowing or consciousness), severe pneumonia, or complications from conditions like bronchial obstruction or sepsis. The abscess forms as a cavity filled with pus, which can lead to symptoms such as a persistent cough with foul-smelling sputum, fever, chest pain, night sweats, and fatigue. If not treated promptly, lung abscesses can cause significant damage to lung tissue and may lead to severe complications, including the spread of infection to other parts of the body.
Treatment for lung abscess typically involves prolonged antibiotic therapy, which is essential for eradicating the infection and preventing recurrence. The choice of antibiotics is guided by the suspected causative organisms and may be adjusted based on culture results. Treatment often requires several weeks to ensure complete resolution of the abscess. In cases where the abscess is large, not responding to antibiotics, or causing significant symptoms, additional interventions such as percutaneous drainage (inserting a needle or catheter into the abscess to drain the pus) or surgical removal may be necessary. Supportive care, including ensuring proper hydration, nutrition, and management of any underlying conditions, is also important for recovery. Regular monitoring with imaging studies is often required to track the progress of treatment and confirm the resolution of the abscess.
