GuidelinesOther guideline
Lung Abscess
Infection Lung Abscess Brief outline/clinical setting Necrosis of the lung parenchyma with cavitation Risks: Alcoholics, epileptics, chronic neurological conditions who are at risk for aspiration Aetiologies/organisms Klebsiella Pneumonia, enteric gram negatives, Staphylococcal aureus, and Streptococcus anginosis, anaerobes Optimal antimicrobial selection Amoxicillin- clavulanate 1.2g IVI 8hrly D
| Infection | Lung Abscess |
| Brief outline/clinical setting | Necrosis of the lung parenchyma with cavitation Risks: Alcoholics, epileptics, chronic neurological conditions who are at risk for aspiration |
| Aetiologies/organisms | Klebsiella Pneumonia, enteric gram negatives, Staphylococcal aureus, and Streptococcus anginosis, anaerobes |
| Optimal antimicrobial selection | Amoxicillin- clavulanate 1.2g IVI 8hrly |
| Duration | Duration depends on the adequacy of drainage. If the CRP is down and drainage is adequate after 2 weeks antibiotics can be stopped. If inadequate draining- continue for 6 weeks |
| Alternative if allergic/not available | Consult ID |
| Comments | Monitor response with serial CRPs Chest Physiotherapy May require pigtail drainage Exclude lung malignancy, aspiration of a foreign object and bronchial stenosis |
| Level of evidence |