Pleural effusion
A pleural effusion is the buildup of fluid between the outer lining of the lungs (visceral lining) and the inner lining (parietal lining) of the chest cavity. This fluid buildup in the linings (pleura) has many causes, including infection, inflammation, heart failure, pancreatitis, or cancer.
If the pleural effusion is small, symptoms may not be present. A large amount of fluid may prevent the complete expansion of a lung, making it difficult for the person to breathe. Possible symptoms of a pleural effusion may include:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Fever.
- A nonproductive cough.
A health professional may diagnose a pleural effusion during a physical exam and then confirm the diagnosis with a chest X-ray.
Small pleural effusions often heal on their own. If treatment is needed, it may involve removal of the fluid using a needle inserted through the chest wall (thoracentesis). The fluid may be sent to a lab to determine what is causing the fluid to accumulate.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
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