Pleural Effusion
Definition
Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the pleura. The pleura are the two thin, moist membranes around the lungs. They let the lungs expand and contract.
Pleural Effusion |
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Causes
The cause of pleural effusion is usually disease or injury. Common causes are:
- Heart failure or pericarditis
- Infections, such as pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Liver disease
- Pulmonary embolism
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Cancer
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of pleural effusion are:
- Having any of the above health problems
- Taking certain medicines
- Chest injury
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery, especially of the:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Belly
- Organ transplants
Symptoms
Some people may not have symptoms of pleural effusion. Others may have:
- Problems breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest or stomach pain
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss
- Fever or chills
- Hiccups
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may include listening to or tapping on the chest.
A lung function test will be done to check how well air is moving in and out of the lungs.
Blood tests may be done based on what the doctor thinks it causing the fluid.
Pictures may be taken of the lungs. This can be done with:
- Chest x-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
Samples of the fluid or pleura may be taken for testing. This can be done with:
- Thoracentesis
- Biopsy
- Thoracoscopy
Treatment
The goal of treating pleural effusion is to reduce the amount of fluid in the pleura. How this is done depends on what is causing the problem. It may include:
- Watching minor symptoms for any changes
- Medicine
- Oxygen therapy
- Draining the pleural effusion with a needle or placing a tube in the chest to let fluid drain
- Sealing the pleural layers to prevent more fluid from building up
People who are not helped by other methods may need surgery. Some of the pleura will be removed.
Prevention
Managing health problems that may lead to pleural effusion could lower the risk of it.
References
- Jany, B. and Welte, T. Pleural effusion in adults—etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 2019; 116 (21): 377-386.
- Pleural effusion. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/pleural-effusion.
- Pleural effusion. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pulmonary-disorders/mediastinal-and-pleural-disorders/pleural-effusion.