Empyema

Empyema, also known as pyothorax, is a condition where pus, a thick fluid containing white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria, collects in the space between your lung and the inner wall of your chest. This space is called the pleural space. Normally, this space contains only a very small amount of fluid, allowing your lungs to move smoothly. When pus builds up due to infection, it can press on your lung, making it difficult to breathe and causing discomfort and pain. This condition most commonly develops as a complication of a bacterial lung infection, such as pneumonia, when the infection spreads into the pleural space. Less frequently, it can occur after chest surgery, trauma, or other medical procedures. To accurately diagnose empyema and determine the most effective treatment plan, your doctors rely on various lab tests. These tests often involve analyzing a sample of the fluid from your chest (pleural fluid analysis) to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and to check for signs of inflammation. Blood tests may also be performed to assess the extent of the infection and your body's overall response to it.