Pleural effusion is a condition that affects your lungs. It develops when excess fluid collects around the pleural space, a thin gap between the lungs and chest wall. A small amount of fluid is normal. It helps with breathing. But a huge amount of fluid can make breathing difficult and cause pain. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
Pleural effusion, also called water on the lungs. It occurs when fluid builds up around the lungs. Many health issues can cause it. It may include infections, heart disease and lung conditions. Extra fluid puts pressure on the lungs and makes breathing difficult. Without treatment, it can lead to serious health problems.
Symptoms can vary depending on the amount of fluid buildup. A small amount of fluid buildup may not cause any significant symptoms. But as fluid buildup increases, you may experience the following symptoms:
Pleural effusion can happen due to different health conditions. Common causes include:
|
Cause |
Description |
|
Heart failure |
Poor heart function increases fluid buildup. |
|
Lung infections |
Pneumonia or tuberculosis causes fluid leakage. |
|
Liver disease |
Liver problems cause fluid retention. |
|
Kidney disease |
Poor kidney functioning disrupts fluid balance. |
|
Cancer |
Lung or breast cancer causes fluid buildup. |
|
Autoimmune disease |
Conditions such as lupus or arthritis cause inflammation. |
Your doctors perform different tests to check for pleural effusion conditions.
These tests help determine the cause and guide treatment.
Treatment depends on the cause, symptoms, and severity. Common treatments may include:
Removing fluid: Your doctor removes fluid using a needle.
Medications1: Doctors prescribe medications depending on the cause:
Pleurodesis
Surgery (for severe cases)
As per your condition, your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you.
If left untreated, pleural effusion can lead to serious complications in the future.
Getting timely treatment can help prevent these complications and improve lung health.
You cannot prevent all cases, but you can reduce the risk.
Healthy habits can reduce the risk. See a doctor if you have symptoms.
It depends on the cause and treatment. With proper care, many people recover, but serious cases may affect life expectancy.
Yes, if left untreated, it can cause breathing problems, infections, or lung damage. Early treatment can prevent complications.
Yes, trapped fluid can lead to infections, increasing the risk of pneumonia.
Life expectancy depends on the severity and treatment. With proper care, many people live for years with a good quality of life.
Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling, extreme fatigue, and fainting are common in the final stage.
Some cases improve with oxygen and medications. Early treatment increases the chances of recovery.
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