Lung abscess: drugs, symptoms, causes, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is a lung abscess?

Lung abscess is a condition where an pus hole forms in the lungs caused by infection with bacteria, fungi, or other parasites.

Lung abscess begins with the death of lung tissue damaged by a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. In the dead tissue, a pus-filled cavity forms.

This condition can be identified with certainty through a chest X-ray examination or more clearly through a CT scan.

Lung abscess can cause serious respiratory problems and even in some cases can be life threatening. However, a number of treatment methods, either through antibiotics or surgery, can be done to treat this condition.

How common is this condition?

Before the discovery of antibiotics, lung abscesses were common in people with lung infections, such as pneumonia. Now, the cases are decreasing because of the efficacy of treating lung infections with antibiotics.

However, as explained in the Lung Abscess-Etiology study, lung abscesses are at high risk of developing complications in people with bacterial lung infections. People who have low immunity, such as people with HIV / AIDS and people over 50 years of age are also susceptible to complications in the form of lung abscesses.

So far, most cases were experienced by men.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a lung abscess?

Symptoms of a lung abscess usually occur over a period of several weeks to several months.

Based on the duration of the disorder, pulmonary abscess symptoms are divided into acute and chronic lung abscess.

Acute if the condition lasts less than 6 weeks, chronic if the abscess has lasted for more than 6 weeks.

Some of the main distinctive sets of symptoms of this condition include:

• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Coughing up phlegm
• Odor-smelling phlegm

In addition, you may often feel weak and weak, lose your appetite, and lose weight drastically.

In severe cases, you may also experience a bloody cough and chest pain while the cough lasts. Not infrequently, people with lung abscesses can also experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and wheezing (breath sounds like giggle).

One of the possible complications of this condition is pleural effusion, which is a buildup of fluid in the lungs which further reduces lung function, making it difficult for you to breathe.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above or even accompanied by other health complaints that are not mentioned, consult your doctor immediately.

The doctor will then perform tests to confirm the condition of the lung abscess and determine the right treatment for your condition.

Cause

What are the causes of a lung abscess?

This condition can be triggered by many conditions. In general, infections with bacteria and other microorganisms such as parasites and fungi can cause lung infections that lead to abscesses.

The bacteria that cause abscesses are generally anaerobic bacteria (organisms that can survive without oxygen). Even so, aerobic bacteria and several species of fungi and other parasites can also cause this condition.

Based on its origin, the cause of a lung abscess can be influenced by two conditions, namely primary and secondary causes.

The primary cause relates to the condition of the lungs, while the secondary cause relates to health problems in other organs, the impact of which extends to the lungs.

The various respiratory system problems that occur in the lungs which are the primary causes are:

• Pneumonia
• Tumor or cancer
• Bronchiectasis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Immune system disorders such as autoimmune diseases, HIV / AIDS, effects of chemotherapy treatment

Secondary causes are caused by bacteria that originate from other parts of the body and enter the lungs due to inhalation, aspiration conditions, and through blood vessels. These conditions include:

• Inhalation and ingestion (pulmonary aspiration) organisms that can infect the lungs.
• Bacterial infection in the heart that spreads to the lungs via blood vessels.
• Bacterial infection of the nearby respiratory tract such as bronchi or due to abscesses in the lower part of the diaphragm.

Risk factors

What puts me more at risk for a lung abscess?

There are certain factors that increase your chances of developing a lung abscess, including:

• Experiencing decreased consciousness due to alcohol addiction, substance abuse, stroke, coma, and lack of oxygen.
• Have other conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, gum disease (periodontal), emphysema, lung cancer, and esophageal (esophageal) disorders.
• Experiencing disorders of the muscles and nerves in the airway, resulting in dysphagia or difficulty swallowing food and an inability to cough.
• Have upper respiratory problems such as sinus infections
• Having a weak immune system due to old age, undergoing corticosteroid treatment for a long time, and experiencing malnutrition.
• Having chronic diseases such as diabetes, acid reflux or GERD, infections in muscles and joints, and sepsis.

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose this condition?

Your doctor will diagnose this condition based on a physical exam, medical history analysis, symptom observation and chest X-ray or CT scan. X-rays of the lungs are needed to check and locate the abscess.

In addition, blood and saliva tests can be done to help identify the bacteria or microorganisms causing the abscess.

The doctor may also need a bronchoscopy to check for lung cancer if there are signs of foreign material obstructing the airways.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for lung abscess?

The treatment is aimed at removing the festering hole in the lungs and stopping the infection of bacteria or organisms that cause lung abscesses.

Described in the book Lung Abscess , the treatment usually involves using a combination of several types of antibiotics, a procedure to remove pus, and surgery if needed.

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotic use is recommended for 6 months of treatment. The type of antibiotic used depends on the type of bacteria causing it, some of which are:

• Imipenem
• Beta-lactam inhibitors
• Chloramphenicol
• Cefoxtin
• Metronidazole
• Aminoglycosides
• Penicillin
• Macrolides

2. Endoscopic Drainage

If treatment through antibiotics does not provide effective results for 10-14 days, suction of pus or endoscopic drainage necessary.

This procedure is done by inserting an endoscope into the lung wall until it reaches the part of the lung that has an abscess to remove all the pus.

A similar procedure can be carried out by methods percutaneous drainage needle, but endoscopic procedures are safer.

3. Operations

This procedure is actually rarely used. However, in severe conditions lumpectomy or segmentectomy surgery may be done to remove pus and part of the lung tissue that is affected.

Operations will be required if it is known that:

• The abscess diameter has reached more than 6 cm.
• Experiencing symptoms of coughing up blood continuously.
• The discovery of sepsis or uncontrolled immune response due to infection.
• The increase in the number of white blood cells is accompanied by a continuous fever.
• It is suspected that there is cancer.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies for lung abscesses?

Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you treat a lung abscess are:

• Follow the treatment regimen as recommended by the doctor.
• Reduce or stop consuming excessive alcohol and cigarettes. Quitting and avoiding smoking are ways that can help you maintain overall lung health.
• Keeping blood sugar levels balanced for diabetics.
• Maintain oral and dental hygiene regularly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have epilepsy, pain when swallowing, choking on food when you swallow, or a fever that lasts more than 7 days after starting antibiotics.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.