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Lung abscess is a type of liquefactive necrosis of the lung tissue and formation of cavities (more than 2 cm) [1] containing necrotic debris or fluid caused by microbial infection. This pus -filled cavity is often caused by aspiration, which may occur during anesthesia, sedation, or unconsciousness from injury.
Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a term often used as a synonym for pneumonia but can also be applied to other types of infection including lung abscess and acute bronchitis. Symptoms include shortness of breath , weakness, fever , coughing and fatigue. [ 3 ]
Complications may occur, such as exudative pleural effusion, empyema, and lung abscesses. [4] If left untreated, aspiration pneumonia can progress to form a lung abscess. [5] Another possible complication is an empyema, in which pus collects inside the lungs. [6]
Complications may occur in particular in the elderly and those with underlying health problems. [138] This may include, among others: empyema, lung abscess, bronchiolitis obliterans, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and worsening of underlying health problems. [138]
The most common complication from a foreign body aspiration is a pulmonary infection, such as pneumonia or a lung abscess. [7] This can be more difficult to overcome in the elderly population and lead to even further complications. Patients may develop inflammation of the airway walls from a foreign body remaining in the airway. [2]
Pneumonia may develop complications such as a lung abscess, a round cavity in the lung caused by the infection, or may spread to the pleural cavity. [citation needed] Poor oral care may be a contributing factor to lower respiratory disease, as bacteria from gum disease may travel through airways and into the lungs. [14] [15]
Pneumonia can lead to the development of a lung abscess, [4] which is a pus-containing necrotic lesion of the lung parenchyma (lung tissue). [5] On CT scan of the chest, a lung abscess appears as an intermediate- or thick-walled cavity with or without an air-fluid level (a flat line separating the air in the cavity from the fluid). [4]
Abscess - A pocket of fluid and bacteria may appear on X-ray as a cavity in the lung. Abscesses, typical of aspiration pneumonia , usually contain a mixture of anaerobic bacteria . Although antibiotics can usually cure abscesses, sometimes they require drainage by a surgeon or radiologist .