Symptoms of Empyema
Empyema is an intrapleural infection distinguished from simple parapneumonic effusions based on positive cultures. The most likely infectious agents are tuberculosis (TB) or Staphylococcus, although many others have been identified. Often other radiographic evidence accompanies empyema, including pneumonia, surgery, trauma, and abdominal infections. Empyema can be simple or complex.

1. Simple empyema
Simple empyema occurs in the early stages of the illness. A person has this type if the pus is free-flowing. The symptoms of simple empyema include:
shortness of breath
dry cough
fever
sweating
chest pain when breathing that may be described as stabbing
headache
confusion
loss of appetite

2. Complex empyema
Complex empyema occurs in the later stage of the illness. In complex empyema, the inflammation is more severe. Scar tissue may form and divide the chest cavity into smaller cavities. This is called loculation, and it’s more difficult to treat.

If the infection continues to get worse, it can lead to the formation of a thick peel over the pleura, called a pleural peel. This peel prevents the lung from expanding. Surgery is required to fix it. Other symptoms in complex empyema include:
difficulty breathing
decreased breath sounds
weight loss
chest pain