Empyema

[Delacroix]

I have been wondering how I can be diagnosed with Empyema when all my CT scans Xrays and my full heart and lung function initially come back clear or normal. How does this work have anyone else experienced this?

[Hidden]

Have you ever had a spirometry test done and what did this show?

[Delacroix in reply to Hidden]

what does a spirometry test entails I don't recall the name as one of the tests done.

[Hidden]

Hi Delacroix, I think you mean emphysemia. An empyema is when fluid from the lungs breaks out into the chest cavity. It definitely shows up on an xray. I have had one.

[Delacroix in reply to Hidden]

it is been diagnosed as empyema I double checked my initial tests showed no abnormalities though.

[Hidden in reply to Delacroix]

that is very odd because even though I have extensive bronchiectasis which looks like pneumonia on an xray, the empyema was very visible. I hope that you get it sorted out.

[Delacroix in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Badbessie]

Hi empyema if I remember correctly is a collection of pus and is a type of pleural effusion. alot I think depends on the severity as it is linked to pneumonia in some cases. In your case the pus could be in the plural space. which would not show directly on x-ray etc. I think you need to go back and ask questions as it normally collects in body cavities and may only indirectly affect your lungs.

Sorry for edit just found this. nhs.uk/conditions/empyema/P...

[Delacroix in reply to Badbessie]

Thank you, this is helpful. I am awaiting my nxt appointment with the specialist.

[Offcut]

I had it and it was 15mm all over. Even I could see it on the xray! What could of happened was the xray was not at the right strength so it did not see it or passed right through it. I would think you should be feeling some level of pain and shortness of breath with Empyema I know I did.

It can be dealt with AB treatment or sometimes with a decortication?

Be Well

[Delacroix in reply to Offcut]

Thank you very much. it was the shortness of breath and pain that initially got me to a hospital.