Clinical Manifestation of Lung Abscess

Lung abscess is defined as necrosis of the pulmonary tissue and formation of cavities containing necrotic debris or fluid caused by microbial infection. The formation of multiple small (< 2 cm) abscesses is occasionally referred to as necrotizing pneumonia or lung gangrene. Both lung abscess and necrotizing pneumonia are manifestations of a similar pathologic process. Failure to recognize and treat lung abscess is associated with poor clinical outcome.

Lung abscesses can be classified based on the duration and the likely etiology. Acute abscesses are less than 4-6 weeks old, whereas chronic abscesses are of longer duration. Primary abscess is infectious in origin, caused by aspiration or pneumonia in the healthy host; secondary abscess is caused by a preexisting condition (eg, obstruction), spread from an extrapulmonary site, bronchiectasis, and/or an immunocompromised state. Lung abscesses can be further characterized by the responsible pathogen, such as Staphylococcus lung abscess and anaerobic or Aspergillus lung abscess.

Clinical manifestations of lung abscess are similar to symptoms of pneumonia in general are:

1. Hyperthermia.
2. Found around 70% - 80% of patients with lung abscess. Sometimes found with temperatures> 40 C.
3. Cough, at an early stage non-productive. In the event of an abscess cavity relationship with bronchial cough is enhanced with a distinctive smell (Foetor ex oroe)
4. Increased sputum production and Foetor ex oero found around 40-75% of patients with lung abscess.
5. Chest Pain
6. Coughing blood
7. Additional symptoms such as fatigue, decreased appetite and weight.
8. On examination found signs of consolidation processes, such as dim on percussion, increased breath sounds, often found the finger percussion and tachycardia.