Lung abscess

Early recognition and treatment of lung infections is vital for preventing lung abscesses. Patients with predisposing factors (e.g., oesophageal disorders, oesophageal or gastric surgery) should be instructed how to minimise the risk of gastric content aspiration by elevating their head during sleep, not overfilling the stomach before sleep, and maintaining good dental hygiene.

The risk of relapse or recurrence can be reduced by minimising the patient's exposure to factors (e.g., alcoholism, drug abuse, poor dental hygiene) identified as contributing to the development of the initial infection. Patients at risk of gastric content aspiration should also be informed about how to minimise this risk (e.g., by elevating the head during sleep and avoiding overfilling the stomach before sleep).