Lung Abscess Anaerobic Pneumonia Normal Abnormal Anaerobes are bacteria that live where there is no oxygen.  A lung Abscess is a collection of pus in the lungs.  Anaerobic bacterial infections may cause lung Abscess when bacteria are aspirated into the lungs. Aspiration into the lungs may be due to impaired normal swallowing mechanisms, esophageal disorders (e.g., acid Reflux), altered consciousness levels, or absent gag reflex. Patients with Alcoholism, dental/gum disease, Seizures, swallowing disorders, or who are under anesthesia or have tracheal or nasogastric tubes are at higher risk. Fever Cough with foul smelling sputum Shortness of breath Wheezing Weight loss Fatigue Poor dental hygiene is common Chest X-Ray Chest CT Scan Thoracentesis (scope passed into lungs) or needle biopsy, if diagnosis is unclear Medications: Penicillin intravenously Clindamycin intravenously Unasyn intravenously Others also effective Tuberculosis Lung Cancer