A lung abscess is a pus-filled cavity in the lung surrounded by inflamed tissue and caused by an infection. Some of the symptoms of lung abscess include fever, malaise, chills, sweating and cough. A lung abscess is usually caused by bacteria that normally live in the mouth or throat and that are inhaled into the lungs, resulting in an infection. It is very often caused as a complication of inadequately treated pneumonia. This abscess can also be caused by aspiration, which may occur during altered consciousness. Patients with alcoholism, dental/gum disease, seizures, swallowing disorders, or who are under anesthesia or have tracheal or nasogastric tubes are at higher risk of developing lung abscess.

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