Question 1

what is an empyema ?

Accepted Answer

Empyema...: Empyema is when there is pus in the space surrounding the lung, between the lung and chest wall. It often needs to be drained as well as treated with antibiotics. It is a serious infection.

Question 2

what is empyema thoracis?

Accepted Answer

Infection in chest: Empyema means there is infection/ pus inside chest cavity.  Unlike pneumonia which is inside lungs.  This is around the lung. Empyema may require surgical treatment.

Question 3

how do you treat empyema?

Accepted Answer

Drainage: Empyema or pus in the space around the outside of the lungs usually needs drainage and treatment with antibiotics directed against the causative agent (bacteria, tuberculosis, etc.).  Sometimes surgical intervention may be necessary.

Question 4

what are the tests for empyema?

Accepted Answer

Culture fluid : Usually start with a ct scan, followed by aspiration of fluid from the pleural space to see if it's infected.

Question 5

what are the most common symptoms of empyema?

Accepted Answer

It depends: The signs and symptoms of empyema vary somewhat according to the location of the infection and its severity. In empyema thoracis, patients usually exhibit symptoms of pneumonia, including fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, an chestpain. They may prefer to lie on the side of the body affected by the empyema. Family members may notice bad breath. In severe cases, the patient may becomecomat.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: empyema?

Accepted Answer

Empyema: Empyema =  Fluid &amp;  pus in a body cavity due to infection.

Question 7

my husband's grandparent might have empyema. what is it?

Accepted Answer

Infection: Empyema (to be distinguished from emphysema) is an infection in the space around the lung, known as the pleural cavity.  It has to be drained in order to be treated, and the sooner the better. Antibiotics are a distant second place in terms of importance to treating emphysema. By far, the priority is to drain the space, and this often requires surgery.

Question 8

what are the chances of closing an eloesser flap for empyema?

Accepted Answer

Empyema: Do you mean an omental flap?  Read plast reconstr surg. 1997 feb;99(2):437-42.

Question 9

i am not feeling like myself. what are the symptoms of empyema?

Accepted Answer

Fever: Fever is very common with empyema, but watch out for non productive cough, one sided chest pain especially with breathing.

Question 10

can you tell me how to get a medical waiver for the navy (empyema)?

Accepted Answer

Empyema: "Empyema, including residual pleural effusion or unhealed sinuses of chest wall." is considered disqualifying. I don't know if this is a waiverable condition or not. Waiver requests are submitted via MEP's for conditions that may be waiverable.

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Empyema signs

A member asked:

What is an empyema ?

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What is empyema thoracis?

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How do you treat empyema?

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What are the tests for empyema?

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What are the most common symptoms of empyema?

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What is the definition or description of: empyema?

A member asked:

My husband's grandparent might have empyema. what is it?

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What are the chances of closing an eloesser flap for empyema?

A member asked:

I am not feeling like myself. what are the symptoms of empyema?

A member asked:

Can you tell me how to get a medical waiver for the navy (empyema)?

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