[Therapeutic procedure in acute pulmonary and pleuropulmonary diseases]

The treatment of acute infections of the lung tissue, of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema and of large pleural effusions and pneumothorax is discused. At the onset of these acute situations, the therapeutic decision has sometimes to be made before a definite diagnosis is available. Clinical, radiological and statistical factors often condition the first steps of treatment. Once the definite diagnosis has been established it is usually possible to adapt the treatment to accepted principles, which are dwelt on in detail.