The lungs are one of the vital organs in humans. The impairment of the functionality and performance of the respiratory system by a Lung abscess can lead to extensive secondary diseases.
What is a lung abscess?
At a Lung abscess Doctors distinguish between various forms in which pneumonia can develop in addition to the actual lung abscess. In the other case, a lung abscess runs without pneumonia. The term pneumonia stands for pneumonia.
As part of the definition of the lung abscess, it is a so-called necrotic abscess that grows in the lung tissue that is well supplied with blood. The health risk posed by a lung abscess is based on its necrotic growth. With necrosis, tissue is destroyed and it dies.
An abscess is characterized by the fact that a lot of pus collects in it without this cavity opening by itself. The accumulations of pus cannot escape by themselves in the case of a lung abscess.
causes
The causes of the emergence of a Lung abscess are mostly based on pneumonia, which is triggered by inhaled particles.
These particles also include pathogenic germs and mostly liquids. Microbiological examinations of the pathogens show that they are combinations of bacterial strains that represent a so-called aerobic or anerobic form of life. Aerobic means that the bacteria need oxygen in order to multiply. Anearobe germs grow without oxygen.
Other causal factors that can lead to a lung abscess are pneumonia as secondary diseases after an occlusion or narrowing of the pulmonary artery and bronchiectasis (enlargement of a bronchus).
Symptoms, ailments & signs
In many cases, a lung abscess is only noticed after a few days or weeks. The first symptoms are fatigue, exhaustion and loss of appetite. The patients lose weight drastically, which results in deficiency symptoms and a weakened immune system. The consequences are often further illnesses and complaints.
In the course of the disease, chills, fever, cough and other symptoms appear. Fever and cough occur in phases and can vary in intensity. The abscess also secretes a foul smelling sputum, which is associated with a strong bad breath. A possible effusion of pus can block the pulmonary arteries and in the worst case be fatal.
As a result of a co-inflammation of the rib cage, severe pain and an increasing feeling of pressure develop in the chest, which makes breathing even more difficult. In the late stages, there is persistent shortness of breath. If no treatment is given by then at the latest, serious symptoms such as blood poisoning or lung failure can arise.
A lung abscess is always accompanied by severe symptoms and complaints that rapidly increase in intensity and are life-threatening for the patient. With appropriate treatment, they subside after a few days without any long-term consequences.
Diagnosis & course
Regarding the course of the Lung abscess specific symptoms occur, which result in the development of fever, which ranges from 37.5 ° C to 38 ° C and is more likely to be viewed as an elevated temperature.
In addition, people with lung abscesses cough heavily and may develop shortness of breath. Due to the distribution of the disease-causing and pus-producing microbes, in the case of lung abscesses, purulent sputum is secreted when coughing. This occurs when the lung abscess is near the bronchial tree.
Complications of a lung abscess are blood poisoning, the effusion of pus into the pleura, and an occlusion of the pulmonary artery. These aspects are diagnostically relevant in order to be able to discover a lung abscess.
Radiological examinations are also helpful. These are extended by a lung computed tomography and a microbiological examination of sputum as well as a so-called bronchoscopy. Since the pathogens causing a lung abscess are at a certain stage in the patient's blood, a blood test can also produce results.
Complications
A lung abscess can have serious consequences. A typical complication is, for example, the formation of fistulas, which in the further course lead to a breakthrough into the lung tissue. This can lead to blood poisoning and other life-threatening accompanying symptoms. A pleural empyema, i.e. a breakthrough of the abscess into the pleural space, is just as serious.
This can also lead to sepsis and sometimes complete lung failure. Before that, there are usually breathing difficulties that, if left untreated, can lead to suffocation. A lung abscess can rarely lead to what is known as gangrene, in which entire sections of the lung die.
This complication occurs mainly in the case of abscessed lungs or chronic diseases of the lungs. An undetected lung abscess can spread and lead to serious physical and psychological complications. Depending on the severity of the disease, this can lead to organ failure, various functional disorders and ultimately to the death of the patient.
When treating a lung abscess, the operation can lead to bleeding, bleeding, excessive scarring and temporary functional disorders. The prescribed drugs can cause allergic reactions and intolerance.
When should you go to the doctor?
If you notice lung pain, coughing up blood, and other signs of serious lung or respiratory disease, you should see a doctor. General symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite or fever are warning signs that require clarification. Likewise, nocturnal sweating, coughing with phlegm or smelling problems. If symptoms get worse and don't go away on their own, medical advice is needed. The same applies to severe pain in the lungs.
The risk groups include people who suffer from chronic lung disease, have a tumor in the lungs or have malformations. Even people who have swallowed a foreign body or who have severe flu are prone to developing a lung abscess and should definitely see a doctor with the symptoms mentioned. The right contact person is the general practitioner or a pulmonologist. Depending on the symptoms, gastroenterologists, ENT doctors and internists can also be visited. In the event of a medical emergency, such as when the abscess opens, those affected or their relatives must call the emergency doctor.
Treatment & Therapy
To one Lung abscess To treat, the doctors use tried and tested therapies that are based on both drugs and surgical procedures. Surgical interventions are considered for a lung abscess if the abscess does not resolve despite antibiotics being given.
In this context, taking antibiotics is called long-term use and, in the case of a lung abscess, lasts for at least 6 weeks. Not every antibiotic drug proves to be useful for the treatment of lung abscesses. In order to avoid a build-up of resistance in the organism, active substances such as clindamycin are specifically prescribed for a lung abscess.
These substances can prevent the mixed forms of bacteria that occur in lung abscesses from multiplying and spreading. The therapy can be supplemented by inhalation and medication that encourage expectoration of the mucus.
In some cases, the lung abscess may also burst, with the pus not necessarily draining from the lungs. If this leads to complications, these are treated with further measures in the case of a lung abscess.
Outlook & forecast
If left untreated, the lung abscess can result in the affected person's premature death. A timely diagnosis and medical treatment are therefore necessary for a good prognosis. Self-help measures or alternative healing methods are not enough to achieve recovery. The administration of medication leads to an alleviation of the symptoms. The abscess usually regresses gradually until the symptoms are finally free.
If the drug therapy is unsuccessful, an operation is carried out. This is associated with various risks and side effects. If it goes without any further complications or incidents, the person affected will be discharged from treatment as symptom-free immediately after the wound healing process. In severe cases it can lead to an unfavorable course of the disease. As an accompanying symptom there is the possibility of blood poisoning. This circumstance represents a potentially life-threatening condition.
Without intensive medical care, the patient is at risk of death. Although a lung abscess can lead to complete healing, there is a possibility that the person may suffer from complications. The impairment of lung activity can lead to severe emotional stress and permanent restrictions on breathing. In addition to psychological disorders, organ failure can occur at any time. In addition, the formation of a new lung abscess is also possible. The risk of this is higher in people who have increased pneumonia.
prevention
As a preventative measure against one Lung abscess In particular, adequate oral hygiene, a healthy lifestyle and a strengthening of the immune system are recommended. Within these factors, consumption of tobacco products and alcohol should be avoided. The pathogens that are responsible for a lung abscess cannot be transmitted. Normal hygiene and disinfection of hands and surfaces is therefore sufficient.
Aftercare
Most patients with a healthy immune system can get rid of a disease completely. It is important to prevent them from recurring. Preventive measures include avoiding another illness and protecting the respiratory tract. Sometimes sage tea and other naturopathic remedies help to speed recovery.
According to the current state of science, immunity is not given after a single illness. Patients therefore repeatedly run the risk of new lung abscesses. Possible complications should not be underestimated. They often cause long-term damage. The failure of the lungs in particular can have life-threatening consequences.
It is therefore advisable to use simple methods such as a walk on the beach during aftercare. The salty sea air opens the bronchi and makes breathing easier; alternatively, a visit to a salt grotto can help. Since a lung abscess is associated with heavy strain on the lungs, those affected should take it easy for a while after the acute phase of the disease. This also includes doing without any sporting activities. These should only be restarted very carefully to prevent relapse and worsening of health.
You can do that yourself
To reduce the general health risk, those affected should refrain from consuming nicotine. Smoking should not be active or passive. This relieves the lungs and significantly reduces the risk of illness. Since the intervention of medical care is necessary in the case of a lung abscess, the sick person has only a few options to help improve their situation.
In addition to prevention, it is helpful if he avoids physical strain and restructures his everyday life accordingly. So that there is no fear due to the shortness of breath, you should keep calm. Emotional and physical excitement should be avoided. Various methods have proven effective for mental relaxation, which the patient can carry out independently and with little effort. They include techniques like yoga or meditation. Stress should always be kept as low as possible. An exchange with relatives is helpful so that consideration can take place, which leads to an improvement in well-being.
A healthy and balanced diet is important and helpful in strengthening the immune system. The consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it can lead to complications in conjunction with the medication administered. The supply of the organism with sufficient oxygen is important with lung problems. Therefore, daily exposure to the fresh air is recommended.
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