Empyema

Accumulation of pus in a hallow organ; abscess.

The accumulation of pus in a body cavity, especially the chest.

The collection of pus in a cavity, especially in the pleural cavity.

Pus in the lung cavity or other body cavity, usually due to bacterial infection; treatment is by antibiotics and surgical drainage of the pus.

Presence of pus in a bodily cavity; used most often in reference to pyothorax.

A collection of pus in a body cavity, particularly in the space called the pleural space, which is located between the lung and the membrane that surrounds it. This form of empyema is usually caused by an infection that spreads from the lung. Empyema can also form between the outer and middle membranes covering the brain (when it is called subdural empyema). Subdural empyema is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical draining of the pus surrounding the brain, as well as antibiotic therapy.

Pus in the pleural cavity, usually secondary to infection in the lung or in the space below the diaphragm. It is a life-threatening condition, which can usually only be relieved by surgical drainage of the pus.

An accumulation of pus within a cavity, the term being generally reserved for collections of pus within one of the pleural cavities. Since the advent of antibiotics, the condition is relatively uncommon in developed countries. The condition is virtually an abscess, and therefore gives rise to the general symptoms accompanying that condition. However, on account of the thick, unyielding wall of the chest, it is unlikely to burst through the surface, and it is therefore of particular importance that the condition should be recognized early and treated adequately.

The accumulation of pus within a body cavity, specifically the lung or pleural cavity.

Empyema is the buildup of pus within a body cavity or internal organ. In rare cases, it can develop around the lung as a complication of infections like pneumonia or pleurisy. Common symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness, and fever. Typically, treatment involves aspiration, which is the removal of pus through suction, and the administration of antibiotic drugs. In some instances, a surgical procedure to open the chest cavity and drain the pus might be necessary.