Most lung abscesses develop after aspiration of oral secretions by patients with gingivitis or poor oral hygiene. Typically, patients have altered consciousness as a result of alcohol intoxication, illicit drugs, anesthesia, sedatives, or opioids. Older patients and those unable to handle their oral secretions, often because of neurologic disease, are also at risk.

Symptoms and Signs of Lung Abscess in TCM include:
1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Excessive sweating
4. Night sweats
5. Breathing difficulty
6. Wheezing
7. Chest pain when taking a breath
8. Chest pain when coughing
9. Pain often described as sharp
10. Cough often produces foul-smelling, colored mucus that may be bloody
11. Loss of appetite
12. Unintentional weight loss
13. Malaise
14. Halitosis