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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Empyema

Empyema

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment

Expectations or Prognosis

Complications

Calling Your Health Care Provider

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Definition

Empyma is a collection of pus in the pleural space (the cavity between the lung and the membrane that surrounds it).

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Respiratory System

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Chest Tube Insertion - Series

 
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Empyema is caused by an infection that spreads from the lung and leads to an accumulation of pus in the pleural space. The infected fluid can build up to a quantity of a pint or more, which puts pressure on the lungs, causing shortness of breath and pain. Risk factors include recent pulmonary (lung) conditions including bacterial pneumonia, lung abscess, thoracic surgery, trauma or injury to the chest, or rarely, thoracentesis (a needle inserted through the chest wall to draw off fluid in the pleural space).

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Definition
Empyema Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Empyema Symptoms & Signs
Empyema Prevention
Empyema Diagnosis & Tests
Empyema Treatment
Empyema Prognosis
Empyema Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Aspiration Pneumonia
Pneumonia

Tests & Exams

Chest X-Ray
Pleural Fluid Gram Stain
Thoracentesis

Other Topics

Auscultation
Breathing Difficulty
Chest Pain
Cough
Fever
Malaise
Sweating - Excessive
Weight Loss - Unintentional

Review Date : 5/6/2003
Reviewed By : David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial reviewers. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Page Last Updated: 18 May, 2008