A Pleural Effusion is a collection or buildup of fluid in the pleural space, an area between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and the chest cavity. It may also be referred to as effusion or pulmonary effusion. Most pleural effusions are not serious by themselves, but some require treatment to avoid problems.
Types
The type of fluid that forms a pleural effusion may be categorized as :
1. Transudate : It is usually composed of ultrafiltrates of plasma due to an imbalance in vascular hydrostatic and oncotic forces in the chest (heart failure, cirrhosis), while exudate is typically produced by inflammatory conditions (lung infection, malignancy).
2. Exudative : Exudative pleural effusions are usually more serious and difficult to treat.
Causes
There are many causes of pleural effusions. The following is a list of some of the major causes :
✍ Congestive Heart Failure
✍ Kidney failure
✍ Infection
✍ Malignancy
✍ Pulmonary embolism
✍ Hypoalbuminemia
✍ Cirrhosis
✍ Trauma
Sign & Symptoms
Pleural effusions often cause no symptoms. Symptoms are more likely when a pleural effusion is moderate or large-sized, or if inflammation is present. Symptoms of pleural effusions may include :
✎ Shortness of Breath (SOB)
✎ Chest Pain, especially on breathing in deeply (pleurisy, or pleuritic pain)
✎ Fever
✎ Cough
Related Article :
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
Diagnosis
✔ Person's Symptoms and Physical examination.
✔ Doctors may use auscultation (listening with a stethoscope), percussion (tapping on the chest), and other maneuvers when a pleural effusion is suspected.
✔ Chest X-rays : Pleural effusions appear on chest X-rays as white space at the base of the lung.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pleural effusion.
1. Medication : Examples include giving antibiotics for pneumonia, or diuretics for congestive heart failure.
2. Thoracentesis (described above) can remove large amounts of fluid, effectively treating many pleural effusions.
3. Tube thoracotomy (chest tube): A small incision is made in the chest wall, and a plastic tube is inserted into the pleural space. Chest tubes are attached to suction and are often kept in place for several days.
4. leurodesis
5. Pleural drain
6. Pleural decortication: Surgeons can operate inside the pleural space, removing potentially dangerous inflammation and unhealthy tissue. Decortication may be performed using small incisions (thoracoscopy) or a large one (thoracotomy).
Related Article :
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
Types
The type of fluid that forms a pleural effusion may be categorized as :
1. Transudate : It is usually composed of ultrafiltrates of plasma due to an imbalance in vascular hydrostatic and oncotic forces in the chest (heart failure, cirrhosis), while exudate is typically produced by inflammatory conditions (lung infection, malignancy).
2. Exudative : Exudative pleural effusions are usually more serious and difficult to treat.
Causes
There are many causes of pleural effusions. The following is a list of some of the major causes :
✍ Congestive Heart Failure
✍ Kidney failure
✍ Infection
✍ Malignancy
✍ Pulmonary embolism
✍ Hypoalbuminemia
✍ Cirrhosis
✍ Trauma
Sign & Symptoms
Pleural effusions often cause no symptoms. Symptoms are more likely when a pleural effusion is moderate or large-sized, or if inflammation is present. Symptoms of pleural effusions may include :
✎ Shortness of Breath (SOB)
✎ Chest Pain, especially on breathing in deeply (pleurisy, or pleuritic pain)
✎ Fever
✎ Cough
Related Article :
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
Diagnosis
✔ Person's Symptoms and Physical examination.
✔ Doctors may use auscultation (listening with a stethoscope), percussion (tapping on the chest), and other maneuvers when a pleural effusion is suspected.
✔ Chest X-rays : Pleural effusions appear on chest X-rays as white space at the base of the lung.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pleural effusion.
1. Medication : Examples include giving antibiotics for pneumonia, or diuretics for congestive heart failure.
2. Thoracentesis (described above) can remove large amounts of fluid, effectively treating many pleural effusions.
3. Tube thoracotomy (chest tube): A small incision is made in the chest wall, and a plastic tube is inserted into the pleural space. Chest tubes are attached to suction and are often kept in place for several days.
4. leurodesis
5. Pleural drain
6. Pleural decortication: Surgeons can operate inside the pleural space, removing potentially dangerous inflammation and unhealthy tissue. Decortication may be performed using small incisions (thoracoscopy) or a large one (thoracotomy).
Related Article :
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
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