How To Treat Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is a medical condition characterized by fluid accumulating in the pleural space located between the chest cavity and lungs. The outside of the lungs is covered in pleura, a type of thin membrane. A small amount of fluid is naturally present in this space to ensure adequate lung lubrication for expansion during breathing. However, when too much fluid develops, this can cause symptoms, such as a dry cough, fever, trouble breathing, and chest pain. There are two types: transudative and exudative. Transudative means fluid is leaking into the pleural space due to increased blood vessel pressure and low protein. Congestive heart failure and pulmonary embolism are possible causes of this. The exudative type might result from inflammation, kidney disease, cancer, or tumors.

Get to know how pleural effusion can be treated now.

Draining Fluid/Pleural Drain

Draining fluid is a common treatment option for pleural effusion. This may involve inserting a small tube or using a needle to remove the fluid from the area. This is typically done through the chest. Before the tube insertion or needle draining, patients are generally given local anesthesia to numb the area to reduce some discomfort. However, it is possible to still experience some pain, especially after the medicine wears off. It is possible for the fluid to reaccumulate after a doctor drains it, and when this happens, this procedure might be performed again. Alternatively, doctors might choose to use another treatment method to remove excess fluid.

Learn more about how to treat pleural effusion now.