Empyema Quiz

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Reviewed By:

Maxwell J. Nanes

Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency department)

Dr Nanes received a doctorate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There he trained at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the practice of adult and pediatric emergency medicine. He was a chief resident and received numerous awards for teaching excellence during his time there. | | After residency he took a job at a community hospital where he and his colleagues worked through the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. |

Eisaku Kamakura

Eisaku Kamakura, MD (Respiratory medicine)

Dr. Kamakura graduated from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Dentistry, and the Niigata University School of Medicine. He trained at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital and held positions in the Respiratory Medicine departments at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ome City General Hospital, and Musashino Red Cross Hospital. In 2021, he became the specially appointed assistant professor at the Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine.

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People with these symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes

  • Fever then no fever then fever again

  • Periodic fever (>100.4°F / 38°C)

  • Chest pain on left side

  • Remittent fever of 102.2°F / 39°C

  • Stomach was uncomfortable, then had a fever

  • Blood in phlegm

  • Tight feeling in the chest

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Learn more about Empyema

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is empyema?

Bacterial infection of the lining of the lungs with a collection of pus in the space surrounding the lungs. It can be caused by infections or a tear in the food pipe (esophagus).

Symptoms of empyema

  • Fever

  • Chest pain

  • Phlegm

  • Discharge of yellow or green sputum.

  • Upper back pain

  • Cough

  • Back pain

  • Feeling cold or shivering

Questions your doctor may ask to check for empyema

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose empyema

  • Do you have a fever?

  • Do you have any chest pain?

  • Do you have phlegm?

  • Are you experiencing a discharge of yellow or green sputum?

  • Do you have pain in the upper back?

Treatment for empyema

Treatment aims to cure the infection and remove the pus. Antibiotics are prescribed to control the infection. Often, a needle or tube procedure may be needed to remove the pus. In some cases, surgery to remove part of the lung lining may be needed.

View the symptoms of Empyema

  • Fever

  • Chest pain

  • Phlegm

  • Cough

  • Back pain

References

  • Godfrey MS, Bramley KT, Detterbeck F. Medical and Surgical Management of Empyema. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2019 Jun;40(3):361-374. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1694699. Epub 2019 Sep 16. PMID: 31525811.

    https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0039-1694699

  • Miller JI. Empyema thoracis. Ann Thorac Surg. 1990 Sep;50(3):343-4. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(90)90470-q. PMID: 2400250.

    https://www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org/article/0003-4975(90)90470-Q/pdf

  • Wells FC. Empyema thoracis: what is the role of surgery? Respir Med. 1990 Mar;84(2):97-9. doi: 10.1016/s0954-6111(08)80009-1. PMID: 2196642.

    https://www.resmedjournal.com/article/S0954-6111(08)80009-1/pdf

User testimonials

Reviewed By:

Maxwell J. Nanes

Maxwell J. Nanes, DO (Emergency department)

Dr Nanes received a doctorate from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and went on to complete a residency in emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. There he trained at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the practice of adult and pediatric emergency medicine. He was a chief resident and received numerous awards for teaching excellence during his time there. | | After residency he took a job at a community hospital where he and his colleagues worked through the toughest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. |

Eisaku Kamakura

Eisaku Kamakura, MD (Respiratory medicine)

Dr. Kamakura graduated from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Dentistry, and the Niigata University School of Medicine. He trained at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital and held positions in the Respiratory Medicine departments at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ome City General Hospital, and Musashino Red Cross Hospital. In 2021, he became the specially appointed assistant professor at the Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine.

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