The simple idea
A lung abscess is usually linked to aspiration, poor dentition, reduced consciousness, seizures, alcohol use, obstruction, malignancy, septic emboli or unusual organisms. Clues include fever, toxic illness, foul sputum and a cavity with an air-fluid level. CT helps distinguish abscess from empyema, necrotizing pneumonia and cavitating cancer. Treatment is antibiotics covering likely oral flora and anaerobes, narrowed to results; drainage is not routine but may be needed for failure or complications.