PYO-PNEUMOTHORAX, EMPYEMA. 



Causes, septic cocci entering through wound or blood. Symptoms, those 

 of hydrothorax, with prostration, foetor, and it may be issue of pus. 

 Treatment by antiseptic injections. 



A purulent fluid in the pleural cavity may be found in ordinary 

 pleurisy, but is much more likely to supervene in- traumatic forms, 

 in which the pus cocci reach the cavity through the wound of the 

 bronchia, alimentary canal, or chest walls. 



The symptoms are essentially those of pneumothorax, with 

 greater prostration, and in certain cases a distinct feverish smell 

 or foetor of the breath, or the escape of pus through a wound. 

 In treatment the difference from pneumothorax is mainly in the 

 antiseptic character of the injections and the freer employment 

 of stimulants and tonics. Salt, salicylic acid, borax, peroxide 

 of hydrogen, aluminium acetate, or potassium permanganate so- 

 lutions may be used. Tonics (quinia) and antiseptics (sulphites, 

 salicylates, iron) may be given. 



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