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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
- 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.
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
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.
- antibiotics via a drip attached to a vein in your body
- draining your chest of fluid using a tube inserted directly into it
- surgery to remove your infection lung lining (if other treatments have failed
Our Pleural empyema locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Lung Nodule Clinic
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.