Lung abscess

Lung abscess is a suppurative infection of the lungs caused by multiple bacteria. In the early stage, it manifests as infectious inflammation of lung tissue, which subsequently undergoes necrosis and liquefaction, with granulation tissue forming around the periphery to encapsulate the abscess. Symptoms and signs: Symptoms: Sudden onset of chills, high fever, cough, and expectoration of large amounts of foul-smelling purulent sputum. Signs: In cases with extensive lesions, percussion reveals dullness, auscultation shows decreased breath sounds with moist rales. Chronic lung abscess may present with clubbing of fingers. When complicated by empyema, signs of pleural effusion are present. Treatment methods: (1) The infecting bacteria in acute lung abscess include anaerobes (except Bacteroides fragilis), which are sensitive to penicillin. Bacteroides fragilis is sensitive to lincomycin and metronidazole. (2) Postural drainage or local lavage via bronchoscopy to drain pus and promote healing of the lesion. (3) Chronic lung abscess with recurrent infection or massive hemoptysis should be treated with surgical resection. Prevention should focus on oral hygiene and treatment of periodontal disease. For patients who are comatose or undergoing oral or pharyngeal surgery, attention should be paid to preventing aspiration of vomitus, foreign bodies, or blood clots. Timely treatment of foci and suppurative infections can prevent septicemia and hematogenous lung abscess.