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 Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The cause 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

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem 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. Others may have:

• Problems breathing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Stomach pain
• Cough
• Coughing up blood
• Weight loss
• Fever or chills
• Hiccups

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may include listening to or tapping on your chest.

A lung function tests will be done. It can show 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

Treatment depends on what is causing the problem. It may include:

• Monitoring 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

Manage health problems that may lead to effusion.