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Abscess Lung Treatment

Treatment for a lung abscess usually includes antibiotics and bronchoscopy to drain the infected material from the abscess.

Treatment for a lung abscess includes:

Antibiotics for lung abscess:

Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Cefoxitin (Mefoxin)
Penicillin G
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Ampicillin plus sulbactam

Bronchoscopy for lung abscess:

To drain the abscess

Chest physical therapy for lung abscess

Abscess Lung Questions For Doctor

The following are some important questions to ask before and after treatment for a lung abscess.

Questions to ask before treatment:

What are my treatment options?
What are the risks associated with treatment?
Do I need to stay in the hospital?

How long will I be in the hospital?

Am I contagious?

For how long?

What are the complications I should watch for?
How long will I be on medication?
What are the potential side effects of my medication?
Does my medication interact with nonprescription medicines or supplements?
Should I take my medication with food?

Questions to ask after treatment:

Do I need to change my diet?
Are there any medications or supplements I should avoid?
When can I resume my normal activities?
When can I return to work?
What else can I do to reduce my risk for complications?
How do I avoid passing the infection to others?
What else can I do to reduce my risk for having this problem again?
How often will I need to see my doctor for checkups?
What local support and other resources are available?

Abscess Lung Specialist

Physicians from the following specialties evaluate and treat lung abscesses:

Pulmonology

Continue to Abscess Lung Home Care

Last Updated: Dec 17, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Abscess Lung References

Chan PC, Huang LM, Wu PS, Chang PY, Yang TT, Lu CY, Lee PI, Chen JM, Lee CY, Chang LY. Clinical management and outcome of childhood lung abscess: a 16-year experience. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2005 Jun;38(3):183-8. [15986068]
Mansharamani N, Balachandran D, Delaney D, Zibrak JD, Silvestri RC, Koziel H. Lung abscess in adults: clinical comparison of immunocompromised to non-immunocompromised patients. Respir Med. 2002 Mar;96(3):178-85. [11905552]
Mansharamani NG, Koziel H. Chronic lung sepsis: lung abscess, bronchiectasis, and empyema. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2003 May;9(3):181-5. [12682562]
Yen CC, Tang RB, Chen SJ, Chin TW. Pediatric lung abscess: a retrospective review of 23 cases. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2004 Feb;37(1):45-9. [15060687]