The pleura are two thin, moist membranes around the lungs. The inner layer is attached to the lungs. The outer layer is attached to the ribs. Pleural effusion is the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the pleura. The fluid prevents the lungs from fully expanding. This causes shortness of breath.
There are two types of effusion:
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Effusion is usually caused by disease or injury. The two types have different causes:
Factors that increase your chance of getting pleural effusion include:
Some types of pleural effusion do not cause symptoms. Others cause a variety of symptoms, including:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This may include listening to or tapping on your chest.
Tests may include:
Treatment is usually aimed at treating the underlying cause. This may include treating:
If you are not having any symptoms and the effusion is small, your doctor may take a "watchful waiting" approach and monitor your condition.
If breathing is impaired you may receive:
The pleural effusion may be drained by:
In some cases, the doctor may recommend chemical pleurodesis. During this procedure, talc powder or an irritating chemical is injected into the pleural space. This will permanently seal the two layers of the pleura together. This may help prevent further fluid buildup.
Radiation therapy may also be used to achieve this purpose.
In severe cases, surgery may be needed. It is done to remove some of the pleura and resolve the pleural effusion. This may be accomplished through:
The best way to prevent pleural effusion is to get prompt treatment for any condition that may lead to it.
American Lung Associationhttp://www.lungusa.org/
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutehttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
The Canadian Lung Associationhttp://www.lung.ca/
Celli R. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum.
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Pleural effusion. The Pulmonology Channel website. Available at:
Accessed July 16, 2009.
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