Lung abscess is a respiratory condition of infection in the lung tissue, which is caused by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi or even parasites. This infection starts from a respiratory illness like pneumonia or in a case where you inhale your food or liquid. When the body fights against the infection, it sends white blood cells and other chemicals to the affected area to fight off the infection.
As these cells and chemicals fight the infection, pus begins to accumulate. This accumulation creates a pocket in the long tissue and over time this pocket of pus becomes an abscess. When the abscess grows, it begins to destroy the surrounding lung tissue (parenchyma). While lung abscess is more common in older people, it can still occur in young people. In this article, we’re going to look at the how to treat and prevent lung abscess.
Treatment of Lung Abscess
The first thing to be done before treatment commences is a diagnosis which involves medical evaluation and tests. In a medical evaluation, the doctor assesses symptoms of lung abscess and does other physical exams. While tests involve blood tests, chest x-rays, sputum culture and CT scans to see what’s going on in the chest and the extent of the infection.
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Lung abscess is caused by different microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and parasites. Each of these causative agents has their own individual treatment options. Antibiotic medication works to kill bacteria causing the infection within the lung tissue. Another medication is the antiviral medication which helps to reduce the severity and how long the illness stays. Finally, for fungal infection, antifungal medications are used to remove fungal organisms from the body.
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When trying to heal for a lung abscess there are some treatment options that are non negotiable. One of which is rest and hydration. These two processes go hand in hand to help replenish the body and expel any mucus in the lungs.
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Some of the advanced treatment options include: oxygen therapy, and bronchodilators. These are pretty common options for any chest infection like pneumonia or bronchitis. They both aim at helping the patient breathe properly. The difference is that oxygen therapy basically delivers oxygen to the lungs in a case where the patient’s oxygen level is low. While bronchodilators are tools that help relax and open up the airways to make breathing easier.
How Do You Prevent Lung Abscess From Happening?
Lung abscess is more common in older adults, so if you fall into the category of older adults above 50 years, you would be doing yourself a lot of good by getting the flu or pneumonia vaccine. These vaccines will protect you from common chest infections.
Secondly, eating healthy is a game changer if you want to keep this infection far from you. All you need to do is just make sure you eat a lot of vegetables and fruits for extra nutrients that will support the strength of your immune system.
In addition, avoid smoking as much as you can. Smoking irritates the lung lining and second hand smoke can also have a similar effect on your lungs. Lastly, be sure to use your nose mask during flu season, to protect you from airborne viruses.
Bottom Line
Having a nagging cough that won’t go away is just how a lung abscess can start. A lung abscess is a serious condition where pus builds up in a pocket inside the lung, often starting after illnesses like pneumonia or if food or liquid is accidentally inhaled. Luckily, there are treatment options to help patients feel better. Above all, rest and staying hydrated are very important for recovery, and in severe cases, oxygen therapy and bronchodilators can help with breathing.
