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Pleural effusion Causes and Risks:
Pleural fluid is normally formed in small amounts to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura, the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs. A pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of this fluid. Several different types of effusions can develop. Transudative pleural effusions are usually caused by a disorder in the normal pressure in the lung. Congestive heart failure is the most common type of transudative effusion. Exudative effusions form as a result of a disease process in the lung. Cancer , tuberculosis , drug reactions, lung infections, asbestosis , and sarcoidosis are some of the diseases that can cause exudative pleural effusions. The cause and type of pleural effusion can usually be determined by taking a sample of the fluid by thoracentesis (removing fluid through a needle inserted between the ribs into the chest cavity, using a local anesthetic).
Prevention:
Most cases are not preventable.
Symptoms:
Note: There may be no symptoms.
Signs and Tests:
Listening to the chest with a stethoscope ( auscultation ) reveals decreased breath sounds .
These tests help confirm the diagnosis:
Treatment:
Treatment addresses the cause of the effusion (the underlying disease) and the effusion itself.
Therapeutic thoracentesis may be done if the fluid collection is large and causing pressure or shortness of breath . In cancer patients, the effusion is often treated by using a chest tube to drain the fluid by a chest tube, chemotherapy , radiation therapy , or instilling medication within the chest that prevents reaccumulation of fluid after drainage. Pleural effusions caused by infection are treated with antibiotics specific to the causative organism.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome depends upon the underlying disease. In cancer , the outcome is usually poor.
Complications:
Pneumothorax (air within the chest cavity) is a complication of the thoracentesis procedure.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of pleural effusion develop.
Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if shortness of breath or difficulty breathing occurs immediately after thoracentesis .
This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
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