Pathology, which is among the most dangerous and difficult to treat pulmonological states, is abscessed pneumonia, abscess or gangrene of the lung. It is a process of destruction and death of the parenchyma of the respiratory organs with the formation of large purulent foci, which tend to rapidly spread to the surrounding healthy tissues.
Causes and symptoms of gangrene of the lung
The main causative agent of destructive and putrefactive processes are anaerobic microbes of several varieties:
- haemophilus influenzae;
- Staphylococcus aureus;
- enterobacteria;
- Pneumococcus;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- Klebsiella ;
- fusobacteria and other organisms.
To penetrate into the lungs the listed microbes can in various ways, among which:
- pathological processes in the oral cavity and nasopharynx;
- diseases of the digestive system;
- craniocerebral trauma;
- poisoning with alcohol, drugs, toxic substances;
- local purulent inflammation.
Gangrene is accompanied by severe symptoms:
- strong weakness;
- heat (the temperature reaches 40 degrees);
- chills and sweating;
- decreased body weight;
- pain in the chest;
- deterioration of appetite;
- insomnia;
- headache;
- pallor of the skin;
- dyspnea;
- sputum production with putrefactive odor.
On x-rays with gangrene of the lung, distinctly extensive types of obscuration. For additional diagnosis, computed tomography, bronchoscopy, microscopic sputum examination and blood tests are used.
Treatment of gangrene of the lung
Therapy of this pathology is medically and surgically.
Intensive conservative treatment includes:
- use of antibiotics (minimum 2);
- detoxification of the body;
- normalization of homeostasis and electrolyte balance.
As a rule, the required effectiveness of therapy is achieved by intravenous drip administration of these drugs. Any appointment is carried out by a pulmonologist in conjunction with a thoracic surgeon after identifying the causative agents of gangrene, as well as their sensitivity to different antibiotics.
In some cases, surgery is required. One of the surgical options is selected:
- bilobectomy;
- pneumotomy;
- lobectomy;
- pneumonectomy.
Prevention of gangrene of the lung
To prevent these changes in the respiratory system is a difficult task. For its implementation, it is important:
- To raise the standard of living.
- Get rid of all bad habits.
- In time, treat any septic diseases.
- Do x-rays of the lungs on a regular basis .