Pyothorax

Pyothorax (from the Greek pyon - pus and thorax - chest) is the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity.

Pyothorax can be either primary (occurs after infection enters the pleural cavity) or secondary (is a complication of other diseases).

The main causes of pyothorax are pneumonia, bronchiectasis, lung abscesses, pulmonary tuberculosis, peritonitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis, purulent mediastinitis and other diseases.

To diagnose pyothorax, a complete blood count, biochemical blood test, general urine test, sputum microscopy, bacteriological examination of sputum, chest x-ray and pleural puncture are performed.

Treatment of pyothorax is carried out with the use of antibiotics, sanitation of the purulent cavity, detoxification and symptomatic therapy.

The prognosis for pyothorax depends on the cause of its occurrence and the severity of its course. In most cases, the prognosis is favorable.