Pleural Effusion Symptoms

There is a pair of membranes which lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. This membrane is what is known as the pleura. Now, this very pair of membranes need to be lubricated, by a small amount of fluid that the body produces naturally. Why this lubrication? Well, without it the lungs would face resistance and friction from the chest wall, while they are expanding and contracting. And this may result in pain while breathing, or shortness of breath. This is the reason why, the pleura is lubricated. The space that lies between these two membranes is known to be the pleural space. Due to certain reasons, this very space is filled with abnormal accumulation of fluid. This condition is what is known as the pleural effusion.

Important Indicants of Pleural Effusion

Generally, the condition does not show many symptoms in most people. Whatever symptoms that do occur may include chest pain that may get worse with coughs, deep breathing, hiccups, cough and fever. Shortness of breath can also be one of the characteristic symptoms, but it may indicate something else too. Rapid breathing is also one symptom, which may occur along with the other symptoms. Some people may even have asymptomatic pleural effusion. Meaning, they might not come across any of these signs or symptoms.

The diagnosis of pleural effusion is made with the aid of a few tests. These may include ultrasound of the chest, X-ray of the chest, and thoracic CT scan. Some people may require pleural fluid analysis and thoracentesis. Out of these two, the former is about conducting an examination of the fluid under a microscope for various substances. While, the latter involves removing a sample of fluid from the concerned area.

What Results in Pleural Effusion?

Factors which are held responsible for the onset of pleural effusion include increased pressure in the blood vessels or a low protein count in the same. Congestive heart failure is known to be a common underlying medical condition for causing this ailment. Certain lungs diseases are also some offenders for this condition. Common ones include, lung cancer, lungs infection, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Reactions to drugs and asbestosis can also be other causes.

Treatment

The main motive of the treatment would be get rid of the accumulated fluid, addressing the underlying causes (if any), and preventing any more accumulation. If the condition is causing breathing problems, pressure in the chest, then a process known as therapeutic thoracentesis is taken up. Once the fluid is removed from the pleural space, breathing would ease up. Once the primary object is fulfilled, the underlying cause is then dealt with. For instance, if the cause has been detected as an infection, then the course of action would be to use antibiotics, and if it is congestive heart failure, then water pills and other heart failure medications, come into the picture. Coming to the prevention part, procedures such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, may be put to use, in order to cut the chances of any further re-accumulation.

Signs or symptoms that indicate pleural effusion are not to be taken for granted, or lightly. The condition has all reasons to give rise to severe complications which may be irreversible, and may require medical aid for the remaining of the life. Also, if the accumulated fluid remains in its position for a prolonged period of time, it may cause the lung to collapse. So frequent occurrence of any of the symptoms mentioned above warrants a medical visit.