Lung abscess primary prevention

Prompt and complete treatment of infections is helpful. People who are at high risk or who have a compromised immune system should see a health care provider promptly if they have signs of an infection anywhere in the body.

Effective measures for the primary prevention of lung abscess include:

• Prevention of aspiration in high-risk individuals by providing proper attention towards airway protection, minimal sedation, and proper positioning of patients with elevation of the head in hospitalized patients.^[1]
• Prophylactic antibiotics against certain pathogens in at-risk patients e.g.recipients of bone marrow or solid organ transplants or patients whose immune systems are significantly compromised by HIV infection must be given.
• Improving oral hygiene and proper dental care in elderly and debilitated patients also helps in decreasing the risk of anaerobic lung abscess.^[1]
• Patients with esophageal disorders, such as scleroderma or a diverticulum, as well as those who have undergone esophageal or gastric surgery predisposing to regurgitation, should be instructed in how to minimize the risk of gastric content aspiration by proper sleep position and by avoiding overfilling the stomach before sleeping.

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