Lung Abscess

Lung Abscess

An acute or ongoing lung infection known as a lung abscess is characterized by a localized pus collection, swelling, and tissue degeneration.

Cause of Lungs Abscess

• Aspiration
  • Aspiration is the term used to describe the unintentional inhalation of material into the airway and lungs from the mouth or throat.
    Patients who are unconscious or only partially conscious as a result of seizures, alcoholism, or drug abuse experience it.
• Bronchial Obstruction
  • The two branches of the windpipe that enter the lungs are known as bronchi. if they are obstructed by foreign objects, cancerous tumors, or swollen tissue.
• Spread of Infection
  • The spread of other infections from open chest wounds in the liver abdominal cavity can also result in lung abscesses.
  • Lung abscesses in AIDS patients are extremely uncommon.

Pathophysiology

The lung abscess most usually develops as a side effect of aspiration pneumonia brought on by oral anaerobes. Patients at risk for aspiration and frequently suffering from periodontal disease are those who develop lung abscesses. Infection begins when a bacterial inoculum from the gingival crevice enters the lower airways and is not eliminated by the patient's host defense system. As a result, aspiration pneumonitis develops, and 7–14 days later, tissue necrosis progresses to lung abscess formation.

Symptoms

• An adult will usually have the moderate fever, chills , chest pain and general weakness.
• Children may or may not have chest pain but usually, suffer weight loss and high fever.
• Patients will cough up foul or musty smelling sputum,
• A cough with blood.

Diagnosis

• History taking,
• Sputum test,
• Bronchoscopy,
• Chest x-ray,
• CT scan,
• MRI.

Treatment

• Antibiotic,
• Oxygen therapy,
• Surgery.

Nursing Management

• Ensure peace and enough sleep.
• Antibiotic administration,
• Proper dietary support,
• Offer emotional assistance,
• Good drainage posture,
• Encourage the patient to drink more fluids to help the lung secretions loosen up.
• Encourage the patient to have a high-calorie, high-protein diet.
• Encourage the patient to finish the entire course of antibiotics.
• When recommended, get the patient ready for surgery if necessary.

References

• emedicine.medscape.com/article/299425-overview
• https://www.msdmanuals.com › Professional › Pulmonary Disorders › Lung Abscess
• patient.info/doctor/lung-abscess
• www.healthline.com › Reference Library