A lung abscess is a cavity filled with pus inside the lung. It is usually caused by an infection, like pneumonia, in the lungs. Lung abscesses are very rare in children.
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What are the signs and symptoms of a lung abscess?
Common symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing
What causes a lung abscess?
In most cases, a lung abscess in children is caused by an infection in the lung, such as pneumonia.
How is a lung abscess treated?
Treatment for lung abscesses may include both surgical and non-surgical options. Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for a lung abscess.
- Antibiotics are usually the main treatment for a lung abscess.
- If antibiotics do not work, the abscess may need to be drained using a long tube guided by a CT scan.
- In rare cases, part of the infected lung tissue may need to be removed by surgery.