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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Pleural 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The severity of a pleural effusion depends on its cause and the amount of fluid present. If left untreated, it may be life-threatening. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for effective management.

Lifespan with pleural effusion depends on cause, treatment timeliness, and fluid buildup. Medical interventions can help, but underlying conditions may affect health and longevity.

Pleural effusion duration depends on its cause and response to treatment. Medical management can resolve it in weeks or months. Chronic or recurrent cases may require ongoing treatment and last longer.

Pleural effusion is often caused by congestive heart failure, cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. A delayed diagnosis can lead to higher morbidity and mortality. For example, a pulmonary empyema may develop due to a parapneumonic effusion.

Your healthcare provider may recommend medication such as antibiotics, antifungals, or antiparasitic drugs to treat infections, as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. However, corticosteroids can have serious side effects with long-term use.

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