Pleural Effusion

The lungs are surrounded with layers of pleura, and when fluid accumulates between these layers, it causes pleural effusion.

Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is the buildup of fluid around the lungs within the layers of the pleura that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity. It’s a very common condition.

Causes of pleural effusion

Common causes of pleural effusion are:

• Pulmonary embolism.
• Pneumonia.
• Lung, breast, or lymph cancers.
• Heart failure.
• Post open-heart surgery.
• Cirrhosis.
• Kidney disease.
• Inflammatory disease.

Less common causes of pleural effusion are:

• Autoimmune disease.
• Tuberculosis.
• Exposure to asbestos.
• Pancreatitis.
• Esophageal rupture.
• Chest traumas that cause bleeding.
• Rare chest and abdominal infections.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
• Radiation therapy.
• Abdominal surgery.
• Certain medications.

Symptoms of pleural effusion

Some people with pleural effusion might not have any symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Chest pain that worsens when coughing or taking a deep breath.
• Shortness of breath.
• Labored and difficult breathing.
• Inability to breathe easily unless sitting or standing up straight (orthopnea).
• Pleural effusion could lead to serious complications, such as scarring around the lungs, damage in the lungs, and an infection that becomes an abscess.

Diagnosis of pleural effusion

• Physical exam.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of pleural effusion

• Medicines.
• Procedures or a surgery to drain the fluid.