What is Pleural Effusion?
A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid around the lungs caused by various medical disorders. While draining the fluid may be necessary, the doctor will also address the underlying cause.
The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the inside of the chest wall and covers the surface of the lungs. Normally, only a few teaspoons of watery fluid exist in The pleural space, allowing for free movement of the lungs during breathing.
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Get A Second OpinionPleural Effusion Symptoms
Some people with this condition have no symptoms and are diagnosed after a chest x-ray is taken for another cause. Pleural effusion symptoms include
- Chest discomfort is generally a sharp, aching
- Fever and chills
- cough
- Hiccups
- Breathing problems
Pleural Effusion Causes
It can be caused by a variety of factors. The following are a few of the more common ones:
Leaking from organs:
- Congestive heart failure.
- Liver or renal dysfunction.
Cancer
- Primarily lung cancer.
- Other malignancies.
Infections
- Pneumonia and TB.
Autoimmune conditions
- Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Pulmonary embolism
- Lung artery blockage.
Risk factors of Pleural Effusion
The following are some of the most common risk factors:
- Chronic smokers
- Alcohol abuse
- Neoplasia (e.g. lung cancer patients)
- Liver cirrhosis
- Use of certain medications
- Existing pulmonary illness or injury
- Occupational exposure to asbestos
- Heart failure
Surgery-related risk factors include the following:
- Lower preoperative oxygen saturation
- Smaller conduit size
- Longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass
- Presence of postoperative infection
Complications of Pleural Effusion
The following are some of the possible side effects:
- Lung scarring,
- Pneumothorax (collapse of the lung) as a complication of thoracentesis,
- Empyema (a collection of pus within the pleural space), and
- Sepsis (blood infection) sometimes can be fatal
Diagnosis
Steps include identifying the pleural effusion disease.
- The doctor checks your body.
- Takes pictures of your chest.
- Checks blood for infections.
- Uses ultrasound to find fluid.
- Tests heart with EKG.Removes fluid for testing with a needle.
Pleural Effusion Treatment
The underlying illness and whether the effusion is producing significant respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath or trouble breathing, determine the treatment for pleural effusion.
Procedures for pleural effusion treatment include:
- Thoracentesis: Removing excess fluid from the chest.
- Tube thoracostomy: Inserting a tube to drain fluid for days.
- Pleural drain: Long-term catheter for draining at home.
- Pleurodesis: Injecting chemicals to prevent effusion recurrence.
- Pleural decortication: Surgery to remove inflamed tissue in the chest.
