Empyema Flashcards
1
Q
What is an empyema?
A
collection of pus in the pleural cavity
2
Q
what are the symptoms of an empyema?
A
- chest pain
= worsens when you take a deep breath in - dry cough
- excessive sweating
- fever & chills
- general discomfort
- shortness of breath
- malaise
- weight loss (unintentional)
3
Q
what can empyema be a complication of?
A
it can be a complication of pneumonia.
4
Q
how could you treat an empyema?
A
1) antibiotics
2) chest drain
3) surgery
5
Q
what antibiotics would be given to treat an empyema?
A
- usually a 6 week course of co-amoxiclav.
-
