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What Causes Empyema?
My partner has just had a thoractomy to clear empyema could this infection been caused by a batch of rolling tobacco that had mould growth on it = he smoked it. He is a smoker. He also had an mouth infection about 6 months before after a visit to the dentist
Fri, 13 Nov 2020
Hi,
Empyema is a condition in which there is collection of pus in the thoracic cavity. The most common causes are:
* An attack of pneumonia
* Tuberculosis as there is cold abscess
* Penetrating injuries
Swallowing or smoking tobacco does not cause direct empyema, at least there are no known cases. It take a long time for empyema to settle. If tubercular then needs months of treatment. Regular follow up, continuation of treatment, review CT scan, care of tubes are all important. Further management will be as per the culture and sensitivity report if the pus has had bacterial infection other than tuberculosis. You need to rule out cancer too.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
Empyema is a condition in which there is collection of pus in the thoracic cavity. The most common causes are:
* An attack of pneumonia
* Tuberculosis as there is cold abscess
* Penetrating injuries
Swallowing or smoking tobacco does not cause direct empyema, at least there are no known cases. It take a long time for empyema to settle. If tubercular then needs months of treatment. Regular follow up, continuation of treatment, review CT scan, care of tubes are all important. Further management will be as per the culture and sensitivity report if the pus has had bacterial infection other than tuberculosis. You need to rule out cancer too.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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