Pleural empyema

A pleural empyema is a pocket of pus that can develop in the pleural area (space between your lungs and chest cavity)

About

A pleural empyema is a pocket of pus that can develop in the pleural area (the space between your lungs and chest cavity). Normally a result of bacterial infections like pneumonia, pleural empyemas can often lead to mucus, fever, chest pain and other symptoms. Our respiratory experts can treat them.

Need to know

Symptoms of pleural empyema

a fever and night sweating
a lack or loss of energy
difficulty breathing
chest pain
coughing
coughing up mucus containing pus

Pleural empyema can normally be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, the pus deposits from multiple empyemas can coat the outer layer of your lungs. This can stop your lungs from expanding properly when you breath.

Diagnosis

Your GP or respiratory consultant will discuss your symptoms with you. This will help them to make a diagnosis. They may also recommend certain diagnostic tests, including.

taking a sample of your mucus to test it for infection
taking a blood sample to test it for infection.
an X-ray or ultrasound scan to see if fluid has built up on your lungs

Potential treatment options

If you've been diagnosed with pleural empyemas, your respiratory consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. These will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms. They might include.