A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Pleural Effusion
Medical Questions » Pleural Effusion
| Name: Pleural Effusion |
| Also known as: |
| Accumulation of a large amount of fluid between the pleura (a smooth, slippery, shiny membrane that lines the inside of the chest cavity) and the lung. |
Causes of Pleural Effusion
Heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, lung embolus, cancer, tuberculosis (see separate entries) and bacterial or viral infections of the lung. |
Symptoms of Pleural Effusion
Fluid restricts lung movement and may cause significant shortness of breath and a dry cough. |
Tests for Pleural Effusion
Excess fluid can be seen on a chest X-ray. |
Treatment for Pleural Effusion
Fluid removed by passing a needle through the chest wall and into the fluid collection, then drawing it off into a syringe. The fluid is examined to determine which disease is responsible for the effusion. Further treatment will depend upon the cause of the effusion.
|
Complications of Pleural Effusion of its treatment
Pleurisy. |
Likely Outcome of Pleural Effusion
Depends on cause, but effusion itself usually controllable. |
|
|
