Pus is a fluid filled with immune cells, dead cells, and bacteria. Empyema is a condition in which pus accumulates in the area between the lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. This area is known as the pleural space. Empyema, also called pyothorax or purulent pleuritis usually develops after pneumonia, which is an infection of the lung tissue. Pus in the pleural space can’t be coughed out. Instead, it needs to be drained by a needle or surgery.
Empyema usually develops after you have pneumonia. Many different types of bacteria may cause pneumonia, but the two most common bacterial causes of empyema are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus . Empyema is caused by infection of the chest space after Pneumonia, Tuberculosis or any injury to the Chest. In rare cases, it can occur after food aspiration also. Empyema can occur in all age groups from youngest to…
