Lung Abscess Flashcards
what are the symptoms of lung abscess?
Pleuritic chest pain (sharp pain worsened by breathing/coughing)
Foul-smelling or sour-tasting sputum (dark brown, purulent)
Hemoptysis (if abscess ruptures into a bronchus)
Systemic signs: Fever, chills, weakness, night sweats, dyspnea, anorexia, weight loss
what are the causes?
Bronchopleural fistula (abnormal connection between airway and pleural space)
Bronchiectasis (permanent airway dilation)
Empyema (pus in the pleural cavity)
Pulmonary abscess formation (progression to multiple abscesses)
what are the causes?
Aspiration pneumonia (often anaerobic bacteria from the oral cavity)
IV drug use
Lung cancer
Pulmonary emboli
Tuberculosis (TB)
Fungal or parasitic infections
what does auscultation show?
Decreased breath sounds over affected area
Bronchial breath sounds (if drainage occurs)
Crackles (later stages)
what does chest x ray show?
Cavitary lesion with an air-fluid level
what is the supportive care for lung abscess?
Rest & adequate nutrition
Hydration to loosen secretions
Effective coughing to promote drainage
Improved dental hygiene (if periodontal disease was a contributing factor)
when is bronchoscopy used?
To collect uncontaminated samples for culture
when is CT used?
Used if X-ray is inconclusive or to assess severity
what are the surgeries used if meds fail?
Percutaneous drainage (aspirating pus from the abscess)
Lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe for large abscesses)
Pneumonectomy (complete lung removal for multiple abscesses)
what is the first line treatment?
IV clindamycin (preferred)
Switch to oral antibiotics once symptoms improve
