Pleural effusion: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Pleural effusion | |||
| image = [[File:Diagram_showing_a_build_up_of_fluid_in_the_lining_of_the_lungs_(pleural_effusion)_CRUK_054.svg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Diagram showing a build-up of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion) | |||
| synonyms = "Water on the lungs" | |||
| pronounce = | |||
| specialty = [[Pulmonology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Shortness of breath]], [[chest pain]], [[cough]] | |||
| complications = [[Pneumothorax]], [[empyema]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| types = [[Transudative effusion]], [[exudative effusion]] | |||
| causes = [[Heart failure]], [[pneumonia]], [[cancer]], [[pulmonary embolism]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Chest X-ray]], [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], [[thoracentesis]] | |||
| differential = [[Pneumonia]], [[congestive heart failure]], [[lung cancer]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = [[Thoracentesis]], [[pleurodesis]], [[chest tube]] | |||
| medication = [[Diuretics]], [[antibiotics]] | |||
| prognosis = | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|Accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity}} | {{Short description|Accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity}} | ||
==Pleural Effusion== | ==Pleural Effusion== | ||
'''Pleural effusion''' is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the [[pleura]] outside the [[lungs]]. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and facilitate smooth respiratory movements. | '''Pleural effusion''' is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the [[pleura]] outside the [[lungs]]. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and facilitate smooth respiratory movements. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Pleural effusion occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of pleural fluid. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura. However, various conditions can lead to an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid absorption, resulting in pleural effusion. | Pleural effusion occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of pleural fluid. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura. However, various conditions can lead to an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid absorption, resulting in pleural effusion. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Pleural effusion can be caused by a variety of conditions, which are generally classified into transudative and exudative effusions based on the [[protein]] content and other characteristics of the fluid. | Pleural effusion can be caused by a variety of conditions, which are generally classified into transudative and exudative effusions based on the [[protein]] content and other characteristics of the fluid. | ||
===Transudative Effusions=== | ===Transudative Effusions=== | ||
Transudative effusions are usually caused by systemic factors that alter the pressure in the pleural space, such as: | Transudative effusions are usually caused by systemic factors that alter the pressure in the pleural space, such as: | ||
| Line 18: | Line 37: | ||
* [[Nephrotic syndrome]] | * [[Nephrotic syndrome]] | ||
* [[Hypoalbuminemia]] | * [[Hypoalbuminemia]] | ||
===Exudative Effusions=== | ===Exudative Effusions=== | ||
Exudative effusions are typically due to local factors affecting the pleura, such as: | Exudative effusions are typically due to local factors affecting the pleura, such as: | ||
| Line 26: | Line 44: | ||
* [[Tuberculosis]] | * [[Tuberculosis]] | ||
* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]] | * [[Rheumatoid arthritis]] | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of pleural effusion can vary depending on the underlying cause and the amount of fluid present. Common symptoms include: | The symptoms of pleural effusion can vary depending on the underlying cause and the amount of fluid present. Common symptoms include: | ||
| Line 33: | Line 50: | ||
* [[Cough]] | * [[Cough]] | ||
* Reduced breath sounds on the affected side | * Reduced breath sounds on the affected side | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of pleural effusion typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include: | The diagnosis of pleural effusion typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include: | ||
| Line 40: | Line 56: | ||
* [[CT scan]] | * [[CT scan]] | ||
* [[Thoracentesis]] (to analyze pleural fluid) | * [[Thoracentesis]] (to analyze pleural fluid) | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of pleural effusion depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Options may include: | Treatment of pleural effusion depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Options may include: | ||
| Line 47: | Line 62: | ||
* Pleurodesis for recurrent effusions | * Pleurodesis for recurrent effusions | ||
* Surgical interventions in certain cases | * Surgical interventions in certain cases | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis of pleural effusion varies widely depending on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. Some effusions resolve with treatment of the underlying condition, while others may require ongoing management. | The prognosis of pleural effusion varies widely depending on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. Some effusions resolve with treatment of the underlying condition, while others may require ongoing management. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Pleura]] | * [[Pleura]] | ||
* [[Respiratory system]] | * [[Respiratory system]] | ||
* [[Pulmonary embolism]] | * [[Pulmonary embolism]] | ||
* [[Pneumonia]] | * [[Pneumonia]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | [[Category:Respiratory diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Pulmonology]] | [[Category:Pulmonology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:03, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Pleural effusion | |
|---|---|
_CRUK_054.svg)
| |
| Synonyms | "Water on the lungs" |
| Pronounce | |
| Specialty | Pulmonology |
| Symptoms | Shortness of breath, chest pain, cough |
| Complications | Pneumothorax, empyema |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | Transudative effusion, exudative effusion |
| Causes | Heart failure, pneumonia, cancer, pulmonary embolism |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, thoracentesis |
| Differential diagnosis | Pneumonia, congestive heart failure, lung cancer |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Thoracentesis, pleurodesis, chest tube |
| Medication | Diuretics, antibiotics |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity
Pleural Effusion[edit]
Pleural effusion is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and facilitate smooth respiratory movements.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Pleural effusion occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of pleural fluid. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura. However, various conditions can lead to an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid absorption, resulting in pleural effusion.
Causes[edit]
Pleural effusion can be caused by a variety of conditions, which are generally classified into transudative and exudative effusions based on the protein content and other characteristics of the fluid.
Transudative Effusions[edit]
Transudative effusions are usually caused by systemic factors that alter the pressure in the pleural space, such as:
Exudative Effusions[edit]
Exudative effusions are typically due to local factors affecting the pleura, such as:
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of pleural effusion can vary depending on the underlying cause and the amount of fluid present. Common symptoms include:
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Reduced breath sounds on the affected side
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of pleural effusion typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include:
- Chest X-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- Thoracentesis (to analyze pleural fluid)
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of pleural effusion depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Options may include:
- Therapeutic thoracentesis to remove excess fluid
- Treatment of the underlying condition (e.g., antibiotics for pneumonia)
- Pleurodesis for recurrent effusions
- Surgical interventions in certain cases
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis of pleural effusion varies widely depending on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. Some effusions resolve with treatment of the underlying condition, while others may require ongoing management.
