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Pleural effusion?
DefinitionA pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.Alternative NamesFluid in the chest; Fluid on the lung; Pleural fluidCauses, incidence, and risk factorsYour body produces pleural fluid in small amounts to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura, the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. A pleural effusion is an abnormal, excessive collection of this fluid.Two different types of effusions can develop:Transudative pleural effusions are caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space. This is caused by elevated pressure in, or low protein content in, the blood vessels. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause.Exudative effusions usually result from leaky blood vessels caused by inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the pleura. This is often caused by lung disease. Examples include lung cancer, lung infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, drug reactions, and asbestosis.SymptomsChest pain, usually a sharp pain that is worse with cough or deep breathsCoughFeverHiccupsRapid breathingShortness of breathSometimes there are no symptoms.Signs and testsDuring a physical examination, the doctor will listen to the sound of your breathing with a stethoscope and may tap on your chest to listen for dullness.The following tests may help to confirm a diagnosis:Chest x-rayPleural fluid analysis (examining the fluid under a microscope to look for bacteria, amount of protein, and presence of cancerous cells)Thoracentesis(a sample of fluid is removed with a needle inserted between the ribs)Thoracic CTUltrasound of the chestTreatmentTreatment may be directed at removing the fluid, preventing it from accumulating again, or addressing the underlying cause of the fluid buildup.Therapeutic thoracentesis may be done if the fluid collection is large and causing pressure, shortness of breath, or other breathing problems, such as low oxygen levels. Removing the fluid allows the lung to expand, making breathing easier. Treating the underlying cause of the effusion then becomes the goal.For example, pleural effusions caused by congestive heart failure are treated with diuretics (water pills) and other medications that treat heart failure. Pleural effusions caused by infection are treated with appropriate antibiotics. In people with cancer or infections, the effusion is often treated by using a chest tube for several days to drain the fluid. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or instilling medication into the chest that prevents re-accumulation of fluid after drainage may be used in some cases.Expectations (prognosis)The expected outcome depends upon the underlying disease.ComplicationsA lung surrounded by excess fluid for a long time may collapse.Pleural fluid that becomes infected may turn into an abscess, called an empyema, which requires prolonged drainage with a chest tube placed into the fluid.Pneumothorax(air within the chest cavity) can be a complication of the thoracentesis procedure.Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of pleural effusion.Call your provider or go to the emergency room if shortness of breath or difficulty breathing occurs immediately after thoracentesis.
Pleural fluid analysis?
DefinitionPleural fluid analysis examines fluid that has collected in the pleural space -- the small area outside of the lungs but inside the chest cavity.See also: Pleural effusionHow the test is performedA procedure called thoracentesis is used to get a sample of pleural fluid. The health care provider examines the sample to look for:Cancerous (malignant) cellsCellular makeupChemical contentTiny organisms that can cause disease (microorganisms)How to prepare for the testThe test is no more invasive than having blood drawn. There is no special preparation. Do not cough, breathe deeply, or move during the test to avoid injury to the lung.You may have a chest x-ray before or after the test. Tell your doctor if you take medicines to thin the blood.How the test will feelYou will sit on the edge of a chair or bed with your head and arms resting on a table. The health care provider will clean the skin around the insertion site and drape the area. A local pain-killing medicine (anesthetic) is injected into the skin, which stings a bit, but only for a few seconds.The thoracentesis needle is inserted above the rib into the pocket of fluid. As fluid drains into a collection bottle, many people cough a bit as the lung reexpands to fill the space where fluid had been. This sensation normally lasts for a few hours after the test is completed. Tell your health care provider if you have sharp chest pain or shortness of breath.Why the test is performedThe test is performed to determine the cause of a pleural effusion, and to relieve the shortness of breath that a large pleural effusion can cause.Normal ValuesNormally the pleural cavity contains less than 20 milliliters (4 teaspoons) of clear, yellowish (serous) fluid.Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may indicate possible causes of pleural effusion, such as:Cancer (neoplasm)CirrhosisHeart failureInfectionIf the health care provider suspects an infection, a culture of the fluid is done to check for bacteria.The test may also be performed for hemothorax, a collection of blood in the pleura.What the risks areThe risks of thoracentesis are:Collapse of the lung (pneumothorax)Excessive loss of bloodFluid re-accumulationInfectionPulmonary edemaRespiratory distressSerious complications are uncommon.ReferencesBroaddus VC, Light RW. Pleural effusion. In: Mason RJ, Murray J, Broaddus VC, Nadel J, eds. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2005:chap 68.
Can arthritis affect breathing?
Yes it can affect your lungs. In fact, lt. The most common lung problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis include:Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy). and this can cause sharp pain while breathing.Fluid May accumulate around the lungs as a result of inflammation of the lining of the lungs. (pleural effusion). This accumulation can cause shortness of breath.
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80 percent of 45 people = 36 people.
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60 percent of people get braces
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fight with 60 percent rest of people
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Zero Percent of informed People.
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60 percent of people do not believe in sasquatch personally I'm part of the 40 percent that does
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the percent of the answear 17 percent.
