Pleural Effusion
(Diseases)
On this page, you will find everythingyou need to know about pleural effusion.
What is pleural effusion?
- Also known as “water on the lungs,” pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity, and they help lubricate and ease breathing.
- What are the symptoms of pleural effusion?
- Chest pain.
- Dry cough.
Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing).
Worsening shortness of breath when lying on the back.
- What causes pleural effusion?
- Causes vary depending on the type of pleural effusion. The most common causes of transudative effusion (watery fluid) include:
- Heart failure.
Pulmonary embolism.
- Liver cirrhosis.
- Exudative effusion (protein-rich fluid) is most commonly caused by:
- Pneumonia.
- Cancer.
- Pulmonary embolism.
Kidney disease.
- Inflammatory disease.
- Other common causes include:
- Tuberculosis.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Rare chest and abdominal infections.
Asbestos-related pleural effusion (due to asbestos exposure).
Meigs’ syndrome (due to a benign ovarian tumor).
- How is pleural effusion diagnosed?X Ray).
- The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physicalCTexamination. Additional tests may be requested as needed, such as:
- Chest X-ray.
- Chest CT scan.
Chest ultrasound.
Thoracentesis (fluid drainage) and fluid analysis.
- How is pleural effusion treated?
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Diuretics.
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy if the cause is cancer.
Therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage).
Surgery.
How can pleural effusion be prevented?
Preventing pleural effusion involves treating the underlying causes,such as kidney failure and congestive heart failure.
- What are the complications of pleural effusion?
- If left untreated for a long period, it may lead to:
Pleural fibrosis.
Respiratory failure.
When should you see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions:
