Main Symptoms of Empyema
Empyema is pus trapped in the space between the lung and the chest wall. It usually starts as a simple lung infection that decides to stick around, so symptoms shift from “bad cold” to “can’t move without pain.” Sharp chest pain is the hallmark. It stabs on one side with every breath, cough, sneeze, or hiccup, forcing you to take short, shallow breaths. High fever and chills are common. Temperature spikes over 100.4 °F, often with soaking sweats at night. Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff climbing a few stairs or can’t finish a sentence without pausing, even though... Learn more