About This Condition
What is a pleural effusion?
When fluid builds up in the area between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity, it is called a pleural or pulmonary effusion. While this area normally contains a small amount of fluid, trauma, malignant cells, and infectious agents can cause this area to expand with abnormal amounts of fluid.
Pleural effusions typically are accompanied by chest pain and difficult, painful breathing. If left untreated, pleural effusions can lead to lung scarring, collapse of the lung, collection of pus within the pleural space, and sepsis — sometimes resulting in death. Earlier identification typically allows for a more successful minimally invasive approach to treatment.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of pleural effusion.
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Chest pain
Discomfort or sharp pain in the chest.
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Painful breathing
Pain that worsens when breathing deeply or coughing.
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Shortness of breath
Difficulty getting a full breath as fluid restricts lung expansion.
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Persistent cough
A cough that doesn't resolve, sometimes related to fluid buildup.
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CONDITION
Lung Cancer
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Thymoma
A tumor of the thymus gland — best treated with surgical removal of the entire thymus.
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Benign Tumors
Non-cancerous growths in the lungs that typically don't spread but may need monitoring or surgical removal.
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Lung Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the lungs — pneumonia or bronchitis — that fill airways with fluid and impair breathing.
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