Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is a medical condition where excess fluid accumulates in the space between the lungs and the chest wall, called the pleural cavity. This can occur due to various reasons, such as infection, inflammation, or cancer.Pleural effusion is a medical condition where excess fluid builds up between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. This can make breathing difficult and may cause chest pain, coughing, or shortness of breath.Treatment options may include drainage of the fluid through a needle or surgical procedure, antibiotics for infection, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. In some cases, the underlying cause may need to be treated to prevent further complications needing treatment.

Symptoms of pleural effusion:

> Chest pain or discomfort that worsens with deep breathing or coughing

> Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

> Coughing

> Fatigue or feeling weak

> Nausea and vomiting

> Sharp pains in the chest that may be worse on one side

> Mild fever or chills

> Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum

> Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath at rest

Risk factors:

> Age: Older adults are more likely to develop pleural effusion due to age-related changes in the lungs and chest cavity.

> Chronic lung disease: Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and bronchiectasis increase the risk of pleural effusion.

> Heart failure: Fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure can lead to pleural effusion.

> Cancer: Malignant tumors, such as lung, breast, and lymphoma, can spread to the pleura and cause fluid accumulation.

> Infections: Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, can cause pleural effusion.

> Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease increase the risk of pleural effusion.

> Autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma can cause pleural effusion.