In this post we shall discuss about the signs, symptoms and clinical features of acute and chronic Empyema.
Empyema is the presence of pus in the pleural cavity.
Clinical Features of Acute Empyema
Symptoms
Due to Toxemia: Anorexia, sweats, malaise and loss of weight.
Due to Primary Disease: Sudden rise in temperature along with fever and rigors.
Due to Mechanical Effect: Dyspnea, Cough, Chest Pain and Sputum
Signs
Edema of chest wall
Clubbing develops within 2-3 weeks of onset
On percussion
Stony dull percussion on involved side
On inspection
Bilaterally symmetrical chest
Asymmetric movement of chest on affected side
On Auscultation
Absence of vocal resonance
Diminished breath sounds on affected area
Amorphic bronchial breathing heard at apex of pleural effusion at interscapular region of the involved side
Clinical Features of Chronic Empyema
Chest pain and fever
Anemia and loss of weight
Chronic sinus tracts in skin or lungs
Deformity from fibrosis
Clubbing
If bronchopleural fistula is present, air can be heard/felt through a sinus during coughing
