answersLogoWhite

0

Definition

A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.

Alternative Names

Fluid in the chest; Fluid on the lung; Pleural fluid

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Your 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.
Symptoms

Sometimes there are no symptoms.

Signs and tests

During 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

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.

Complications
  • A 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 provider

Call 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.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

What is a 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.


What is moderately large effusion?

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.


How is thoracentesis done?

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.


When air has invaded the pleural space it is referred to as?

Pneumothorax.


Grating sound produced by friction of pleural surface?

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.

Related Questions

How do you treat pleural effusion?

drain...


Can you fly with a pleural effusion?

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.


Mortality of 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.


What does pleural effusion mean?

The pleural effusion is any abnormal amount of fluid all around the lungs. It can result to varying types of medical conditions.


Asbestos-related pleural effusion?

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


Can a left pleural effusion be serious?

Yes. Deadly.


Why the patient of pleural effusion should lie towards the side of the lung which is having pleural effusion?

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.


What effect does pleural effusion has on inspiration?

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.


How is a Denver Catheter drained?

Pleural drain that patient can drain fluid from pleural effusion or ascites on own.


How does the body naturally drain pleural effusion?

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.


What percent of people have parapneumonic pleural effusion?

30% - 50%.


Could a displaced rib cause pleural effusion?

yes