A 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 fluid
Causes, 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:
Sometimes 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:
Treatment 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.
ComplicationsCall 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.
Thoracentesis is a medical procedure where a needle is inserted through the chest wall to remove fluid or air from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space). This procedure is commonly done to help diagnose and treat conditions such as pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath.
Moderately large effusion refers to a significant accumulation of fluid in a body cavity, such as the pleural or pericardial space, that is more than a small or minimal amount but not large enough to cause severe symptoms or complications. It usually requires medical evaluation and management to determine the underlying cause and alleviate any associated symptoms.
The usual place to tap the chest is below the armpit (axilla). Under sterile conditions and local anesthesia, a needle, a through-the-needle-catheter, or an over-the-needle catheter may be used to perform the procedure. Overall, the catheter.
Pneumothorax.
The grating sound produced by friction of the pleural surfaces rubbing against each other is known as pleural friction rub. It is commonly heard in conditions like pleurisy and can be described as a creaking or grating sound that is typically heard during both inspiration and expiration. Pleural friction rub can indicate inflammation of the pleura and is generally associated with pain on breathing.
drain...
It is generally not recommended to fly with a pleural effusion, as changes in cabin pressure can cause discomfort or additional stress on the lungs. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider before considering air travel with a pleural effusion.
The mortality of pleural effusion depends on various factors such as underlying cause, patient's overall health, and timely treatment. In general, if pleural effusion is treated promptly and effectively, the mortality rate is low. However, severe or untreated cases can lead to complications such as respiratory failure and sepsis, which can increase mortality risk.
The pleural effusion is any abnormal amount of fluid all around the lungs. It can result to varying types of medical conditions.
DefinitionAsbestos-related pleural effusion is a collection of fluid around the lung that generally develops a few years after asbestos exposure. The fluid collection is not harmful and usually goes away on its own.See: Pleural effusionAlternative NamesPleural effusion - asbestos-related
Yes. Deadly.
Positioning the patient with pleural effusion on the affected side helps improve ventilation and blood flow to the more functional lung, aiding in better oxygenation. This position can also help re-expand the collapsed lung and promote drainage of the pleural effusion.
You can not take deep breath in pleural effusion. The entry of the air is restricted on the affected side. The plain X ray is diagnostic of the condition.
Pleural drain that patient can drain fluid from pleural effusion or ascites on own.
The body naturally drains pleural effusion through a process of reabsorption and lymphatic drainage. The pleural space is lined with pleural membranes that can absorb fluid, while the lymphatic system helps transport excess fluid away from the pleural cavity. Additionally, any underlying conditions that caused the effusion, such as infection or inflammation, need to resolve for the body to effectively eliminate the fluid. In some cases, the effusion may require medical intervention if it does not resolve on its own.
30% - 50%.
yes