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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 ]
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]
Complications may include lung abscess, acute respiratory distress syndrome, empyema, parapneumonic effusion, and pneumonia [3] [1] Some include chemical induced inflammation of the lungs as a subtype, which occurs from acidic but non-infectious stomach contents entering the lungs. [1] [2] Infection can be due to a variety of bacteria. [2]
Aspiration can result in patient death through a variety of mechanisms. It is important to recognize and diagnose early in order to improve patient outcomes. Death from aspiration and aspiration-related syndromes is most common in elderly patients with known baseline risk factors, though it frequently goes unrecognized. [18]
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]
Necrotizing pneumonia (NP), also known as cavitary pneumonia or cavitatory necrosis, is a rare but severe complication of lung parenchymal infection. [1] [2] [3] In necrotizing pneumonia, there is a substantial liquefaction following death of the lung tissue, which may lead to gangrene formation in the lung.
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]