Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excessive fluid in the pleural space, which is the area between the layers of the pleura that surround the lungs. This is a result of an overabundance of fluid production.

The pleura is composed of two layers: the parietal pleura, which covers the chest wall, and the visceral pleura, which covers the surface of the lungs. Typically, there is a minute gap filled with a small quantity of fluid between these two layers. This fluid serves as an innate lubricant, facilitating the movement of the lungs during respiration.

Facts about pleural effusion

Pleural effusion appears as a dark shadow on a chest X-ray or CT scan, marking an accumulation of fluid within the pleural cavity. This dark shadow covers the lungs and chest cavity.

Pleural effusion may cause discomfort, primarily as a result of the excessive fluid compressing the lungs and obstructing normal respiration. Pleural effusion may indicate a critical medical condition, such as cancer, heart disease, infection, or kidney disease. If left untreated, pleural effusion can lead to severe complications such as recurrent infections, compromised lung function, and respiratory failure.

Proven methods for pleural effusion treatment

There are several methods for treating pleural effusion. Therapeutic intervention is recommended based on the the cause and the amount of fluid accumulation.

Common treatments for pleural effusion consist of the following:

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is a procedure in which fluid is extracted from the pleural cavity via the chest wall using a needle or catheter. This procedure relieves symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath, by decreasing of pulmonary pressure.

Chest tube (thoracostomy)

Thoracostomy, also known as chest tube insertion, is a surgical intervention involving the creation of small incisions in the chest wall. Through this incision, a tube is inserted into the pleural cavity to eliminate the accumulation of fluid or air surrounding the lungs.

The fluid will be drained from the pleural cavity via a pipe connected to the vacuum system once the tube has been inserted successfully. This procedure is typically left for multiple days, or even longer if there is a significant amount of fluid that needs to be extracted.

Pleural drainage

Pleural drainage is a therapeutic approach for managing cases of chronic pleural effusion. This procedure entails inserting a durable catheter through the skin and into the pleural cavity. This process allows you to independently extract the fluid at home, but its placement must be done at the hospital.

Pharmacological therapy

Depending on the underlying reason, specific drugs may also be prescribed for the treatment of pleural effusion. If an infection like tuberculosis or pneumonia is the cause of the pleural effusion, antibiotics will be prescribed.

Diuretics are prescribed in cases where pleural effusion is associated with heart failure. By increasing the amount of water that is excreted through urine, diuretics are used to contribute to the reduction of fluid retention in the body.

How to prevent pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is usually unpreventable.  However, various actions can lower the risk of pleural effusion, such as:

• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
• Avoid exposure to asbestos in the workplace or other environments
• Follow a low-salt diet to help reduce fluid retention in the body and the risk of pleural effusion
• Following your doctor's instructions when taking diuretics helps prevent the buildup of fluid in the body.
• Fluid restriction may be important, especially for those with specific health problems.

Sometimes pleural effusion has no symptoms at all.  If you experience chest pain, breathing difficulties, or shortness of breath, it is important to be alert. If you have any of these signs, you should go to the hospital immediately.

If you have any questions concerning lung disorders or pleural effusions, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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