Pleural effusion

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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.

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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, MATC
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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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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