Empyema vs. Emphysema: What's the Difference?

• Empyema

  An empyema (from Greek ἐμπύημα, “abscess”) is a collection or gathering of pus within a naturally existing anatomical cavity. For example, pleural empyema is empyema of the pleural cavity. It must be differentiated from an abscess, which is a collection of pus in a newly formed cavity.

• Empyema (noun)

  A collection of pus within a naturally existing anatomical cavity (as opposed to an abscess, which occurs in a newly formed cavity).

• Emphysema (noun)

  An abnormal accumulation of air or other gas in tissues, most commonly the lungs.

• Emphysema (noun)

  Pulmonary emphysema, a chronic lung disease, one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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