Pleural Effusion
A pleural effusion is a collection of fluid around the lungs that is unusually large. Because it can be caused by a variety of medical disorders, even if the pleural effusion needs to be drained, the doctor will most likely address the underlying cause. The pleura is a thin membrane that borders the interior of the chest wall and the surface of the lungs. Fluid builds up between the layers of the pleura when you have a pleural effusion. Usually, a few teaspoons of watery fluid are normally present in the pleural space, allowing your lungs to move freely in your chest cavity while you breathe.
Symptoms of Pleural Effusion
Some people with pleural effusion have no symptoms and are diagnosed after a chest x-ray is taken for another cause. The ailment or condition that created the effusion may lead the patient to have unrelated symptoms. Pleural effusion symptoms include
- Chest discomfort is generally a sharp aching that is amplified by coughing or taking heavy breaths.
- Fever and chills with a cough
- Hiccups
- Breathing quickly
- Breathing problems
- There are times when there are no symptoms.
When to see a doctor?
If a patient notices symptoms that affect the lungs or breathing, or if you have additional symptoms like fever, seek medical help. A doctor can assist in determining the source of the problem and prescribing the proper remedy. Pleural effusion can signal a dangerous underlying problem that requires immediate attention.
Get the best treatment for any kind of Lung disease and discomfort from the doctors of Medicover Hospital.
Causes
Pleural effusions can be caused by a variety of factors. The following are a few of the more common ones:
Leaking from other organs
This commonly happens if you have congestive heart failure, which occurs when the heart fails to adequately pump blood to your body. It can also be caused by fluid buildup in the body, which seeps into the pleural space, as a result of liver or renal dysfunction.
Cancer
Lung cancer is the most common cause, although other malignancies that have progressed to the lung or pleura can also cause it.
Infections
Pneumonia and TB are two disorders that can cause pleural effusion.
Autoimmune conditions
Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are some diseases that can cause it.
Pulmonary embolism
Pleural effusion might result from a blockage in an artery in one of the lungs.
Risks factors
The following are some of the most common risk factors for pleural effusion:
- Chronic smokers
- Alcohol abuse
- Neoplasia (e.g. lung cancer patients)
- Liver cirrhosis
- Use of certain medications (e.g. dasatinib in the treatment of patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia and immunosuppressive medicine)
- Existing pulmonary illness or injury
- Occupational exposure to asbestos
- Heart failure
Surgery-related risk factors include the following:
- Lower preoperative oxygen saturation
- Smaller conduit size
- Longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass
- Presence of postoperative infection
Complications
The following are some of the possible side effects of pleural effusion:
- Lung scarring,
- Pneumothorax (collapse of the lung) as a complication of thoracentesis,
- Empyema (a collection of pus within the pleural space), and
- Sepsis (blood infection) sometimes can be fatal
Diagnosis
The doctor will do a physical examination and perform imaging tests, such as a CT scan to establish you have a pleural effusion. The commonly recommended tests include:
<Chest X-ray
On X-rays, pleural effusions show white, whereas air space appears black. If a pleural effusion is suspected, further X-ray films may be taken while you lie on your side. These can demonstrate if the fluid in the pleural space is flowing smoothly.
Computed tomography (CT scan)
A CT scanner swiftly collects a large number of X-rays, and a computer creates pictures of the entire chest; inside and out. CT scans provide more information than chest X-rays.
Blood tests
A blood test might reveal whether or not you have an infection. Other blood tests may be used to diagnose autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Pleurisy might be the initial indication of many illnesses.
Ultrasound
Pictures of the inside of the body are generated by a probe on the chest and shown on a video screen. The doctor may use ultrasound to find the fluid so that a sample may be taken for testing.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
This heart-monitoring test may be suggested to rule out certain cardiac disorders as a possible cause of chest discomfort.
The doctor may also perform a technique known as thoracentesis. They'll test a small amount of the fluid. They accomplish this by inserting a needle and a catheter into the pleural area between your ribs.
Treatment
The underlying illness and whether the effusion is producing significant respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath or trouble breathing, determine the treatment for pleural effusion.
Procedures for treating pleural effusions include
Thoracentesis
If the effusion is big, the doctor may remove more fluid for testing than is necessary solely to relieve the discomfort.
Tube thoracostomy (chest tube)
Your doctor makes a small cut in your chest wall and puts a plastic tube into your pleural space for several days.
Pleural drain
If the pleural effusions recur, the doctor may insert a long-term catheter into the pleural space via the skin. The pleural effusion can then be drained at home. The doctor will instruct patients on how to proceed and when to do so.
Pleurodesis
Through a chest tube, the doctor injects talc or doxycycline into the pleural space. The chemical causes the pleura and chest wall to become inflamed, causing them to bond closer together as they recover. Pleurodesis can often prevent pleural effusions from returning.
Pleural decortication
Inside the pleural space, surgeons can eliminate potentially hazardous inflammation and bad tissue. To do so, the surgeon may make tiny or large incisions (thoracoscopy) or (thoracotomy).
Lifestyle Changes and Selfcare
These steps might help relieve symptoms related to pleurisy:
Take medication
To reduce pain and inflammation, take the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
Get plenty of rest
When you're sleeping, find the position that brings you the least amount of discomfort. Even if you start to feel better, don't overdo it.
Don't smoke
Smoking might irritate the lungs even more. If you're having trouble quitting smoking on your own, seek help from the doctor.
Pleurodesis
Dos and Don’ts
While pleural effusion is a common occurrence, it can quickly escalate into a dangerous illness. People who have pleural effusion or pleurisy should contact a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment before infection or other problems develop. Following the dos and don'ts, on the other hand, can help you avoid the disease's negative repercussions. The following are some guidelines:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Eat a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. | Eat excessive sugar, fat and alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight. |
| If you have pleural effusion or pleurisy, avoid strenuous exercise. | Smoke or do passive smoking. |
| Practice breathing exercises | Take stress. |
| Take your medications exactly as prescribed. | Discontinue the medicine without completing the course. |
Take a little care of yourself and be strong inside to fight this condition.
Pleural Effusion Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover, we have the best team of pulmonologists who work to provide the most precise Pleural Effusion therapy. To treat diverse Pleural Effusion diseases and illnesses, our highly qualified doctors deploy the most up-to-date diagnostic methods, medical treatments, and advanced technology to bring out the best results. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to treat Pleural Effusion, combining the expertise of multiple specialities to give complete treatment to the patients and address all of their medical needs for a faster and more sustainable recovery.
