Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is fluid accumulation in the pleural space, either transudative (heart failure/cirrhosis/hypoalbuminemia) or exudative (infection/malignancy/pulmonary embolism/autoimmune), presenting with dyspnea, pleuritic pain, dullness, and reduced breath sounds. Treatment: diagnostic thoracentesis (Light's criteria: protein/LDH ratio, pH/glucose/cytology/culture); therapeutic drainage if symptomatic; treat cause (diuretics for heart failure; antibiotics/chest tube for empyema; malignancy drainage/pleurodesis; anticoagulation for PE); ultrasound-guided; monitor for re-expansion edema/empyema.

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea/pleuritic pain; dullness; by transudative/exudative

Causes and Pathogenesis

Increased hydrostatic/decreased oncotic pressure (transudate) or inflammation/increased permeability (exudate) causes pleural fluid.

Treatment

Diagnostic thoracentesis; therapeutic drainage; treat cause; monitor complications

Preventive Measures

Treat heart failure/autoimmune/infection.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Cardiology/Thoracic-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.