What is empyema?

Empyema refers specifically to the accumulation of pus within the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition typically arises as a complication of pneumonia, where the infection leads to the collection of infected fluid. The presence of pus indicates that there is an ongoing infection and inflammatory response occurring in the pleural space.

Recognizing that empyema is indicative of an infectious process helps in understanding its implications for patient care, diagnosis, and potential treatment options, such as drainage of the infected fluid and antibiotic therapy. It is crucial for health professionals to differentiate empyema from other pleural conditions, as the management and clinical consequences differ significantly.

Other conditions listed in the choices represent different pleural abnormalities: lung tissue collapse is known as atelectasis, fluid accumulation not specified as pus entails conditions like pleural effusion, and air in the pleural space is termed pneumothorax. Each of these conditions presents its own clinical challenges and requires distinct management approaches.