How does pleural effusion occur

A pleural effusion is when your lungs are releasing secreting too much fluid and not reabsorbing enough. There are many causes of a pleural effusion. Depending on the cause, your doctor will determine the treatment option. Common causes include:. Symptoms of a pleural effusion can be different for everyone.

Larger-sized pleural effusions are more likely to show symptoms, which can include:. To confirm a pleural effusion, your doctor will do a physical examination, as well as ask about your symptoms and order tests, such as:. For example, if pneumonia is the cause, then a course of antibiotics will be required. If congestive heart failure is the cause, diuretics which increase your production of urine may be prescribed.

Access myPennMedicine For Patients and Visitors. Patient Information. Conditions Treated A-Z. Pleural Effusion. About Pleural Effusion. Definition A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. Alternative Names Fluid in the chest; Fluid on the lung; Pleural fluid Causes The body produces pleural fluid in small amounts to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura. There are two types of pleural effusion: Transudative pleural effusion is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space.

This is from increased pressure in the blood vessels or a low blood protein count. Heart failure is the most common cause. Exudative effusion is caused by blocked blood vessels or lymph vessels, inflammation, infection, lung injury, and tumors. Risk factors of pleural effusion may include: Smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can cause heart, lung and liver disease, which can lead to pleural effusion History of any contact with asbestos Symptoms Symptoms can include any of the following: Chest pain, usually a sharp pain that is worse with cough or deep breaths Cough Fever and chills Hiccups Rapid breathing Shortness of breath Sometimes there are no symptoms.

In some cases, it can evolve into pleural effusion, which is when…. The goal is to drain the fluid and make it easier for you to…. Complications of lung cancer can include chest pain, shortness of breath, swallowing problems, and more. Learn how early treatment helps. Pleural fluid analysis is the examination of pleural fluid collected from a pleural tap, or thoracentesis. This is a procedure that drains excess…. The pleurae protect your lungs. Read more on this test to look for infection in them.

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The liquid in the effusion will likely consist of compounds from blood plasma. A healthcare professional may take a sample of fluid from the pleural space by inserting a needle between the ribs. These samples can help detect signs of infection, protein levels, and cancer cells.

They can also help determine whether the individual has complicated or uncomplicated pleural effusion. In complicated pleural effusion, signs of inflammation or infection will be present in the fluid. The person may need immediate treatment to prevent potentially serious complications.

In uncomplicated effusion, there will be no sign of infection or inflammation in the fluid. Uncomplicated effusion may be milder and is less likely to result in permanent lung damage. These tests help the healthcare professional narrow down the cause of pleural effusion and provide appropriate treatment.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. As well as treating the underlying condition, a healthcare professional may need to drain the fluid from the chest. To drain the chest, the healthcare professional will insert a tube into the pleural space and allow the fluid to leave the body. They will use local anesthetics to numb the pain where the needle enters the body. This area may be sore once the anesthetics wear off. In pleurodesis, for example, a surgeon will close the gap between the pleura of the lung and the chest cavity to prevent liquid from building up between them.

In more severe cases, a surgeon can direct fluid from the chest cavity into the abdomen. In some cases, they may also remove part of the pleural lining. Pleural effusion is a sign of an underlying condition. Both the underlying condition and pleural effusion itself can be life threatening.