around it. The infected tissue at the center dies and becomes filled with pus. This is the abscess. Many people will have signs for a few weeks or a few months before going to the doctor for treatment. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all of the drugs ordered for you. Do not stop taking your drugs just because you are feeling better. You may need to take drugs for infection for months to get rid of the infection.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. Drinking fluids like water and juices helps to make it easier to cough up mucus.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Your doctor may have you do treatments at home such as deep breathing and drainage techniques.
- If you had surgery, talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
- Keep your mouth clean. Brush and floss your teeth at least 2 times each day.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Your doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat infection
- Lower fever and pain
Will physical activity be limited?
Talk to your doctor about the amount of activity you are able to do. ‚
What problems could happen?
- More trouble breathing
- Spread of infection to your bloodstream and other parts of your body
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin and nail color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Pass out or feel like you are going to pass out
- Chest pain gets worse
- Problems thinking clearly
- Breathing problems get worse
- Cough does not get better with your drugs
- Cough up blood
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site, if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have chest pain, trouble breathing, or I cough up blood.
Where can I learn more?
My Virtual Medical Centre ‚
http://www.myvmc.com/diseases/lung-abscess/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚