Warning Signs Of Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid builds up between the pleural layers outside the lungs. These thin membranes line the inside of an individual's chest cavity and the lungs. They help with lubrication and facilitation of breathing. Under normal circumstances, there is only a small amount of fluid present in the pleural layers. The condition varies in seriousness depending on the cause, whether a patient's breathing is affected, and whether it's treatable. The condition can be controlled or treated when it's caused by heart failure, pneumonia, or a virus. Treatment should generally involve the underlying cause and any associated mechanical problems.

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High Fever And Chills

Some patients with pleural effusion might experience a high fever and chills. They may not be able to explain their fever. One study indicates individuals with both fevers and pleural effusion may have an underlying inflammation in the large arteries throughout the chest. This is particularly common when pleural effusion is centered around the left lung. The fever may also be present if the underlying cause of pleural effusion is an infection. When the body has a bacterial or viral infection, the immune system needs to work harder to fight off the pathogens. It raises the body's overall temperature to accomplish this. Chills can accompany the fever when the body is putting so much energy into the immune system that it fails to keep an individual warm.

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