Empyema history and symptoms

Empyema Microchapters
Patient Information
Overview
Classification Subdural empyema Pleural empyema
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Symptoms

Symptoms of empyema may vary in severity. Typical symptoms include: fever, chest pain or discomfort, cough, sweating and shortness of breath.

Clubbing of the fingernails may be present. There is a dull percussion note and reduced breath sounds on the affected side of the chest. Other diagnostic tools include chest x-ray, CT scan, and Ultrasonography.

Most patients with empyema develop:

• Fever
• Leukocytosis
• Chest pain
• Anaerobic infections however, can be more indolent, with up to 70% of patients having symptoms for more than 1 week.
  • Additionally, these patients tend to have more constitutional symptoms including:
    • Sweats
    • Weight loss