Empyema

Empyema refers to the purulent infection of the pleural cavity caused by pathogenic bacteria, leading to the accumulation of purulent exudate within the pleural space. Most cases of empyema are complications of intrapulmonary infections, while a few are caused by infections of adjacent organs. A small number of cases can also be attributed to chest trauma, surgery, sepsis, and septicemia. According to the progression of the disease, empyema can be divided into acute empyema and chronic empyema. The main symptoms of acute empyema include chest pain, fever, and cough, while the main symptoms of chronic empyema include shortness of breath, weight loss, and anemia.