Pleural Effusion

What is Pleural effusion?

Pleural effusion commonly referred to as “water on the lungs” is a condition that describes the build-up of excess fluid within the layers of the pleura present outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity to lubricate and facilitate breathing. 

Pleural effusion can get serious depending on the control of the build-up of water.  The causes of pleural effusion can be due to cancer, leakage from other organs, infections, pulmonary embolism, autoimmune conditions, heart failure, cirrhosis, open-heart surgery, pneumonia, chylothorax, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, Meig’s syndrome, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, inflammatory disease and more. Diagnosis may include chest X-Ray, ultrasound, computer tomography (CT scan) and more. There are usually two types of pleural effusion namely transudative and exudative.

What are the symptoms of Pleural effusion?

The common symptoms of Pleural effusion are – 

  1. Cough
  2. Shortness of breath
  3. Chest pain
  4. Fever
  5. Difficulty in breathing
  6. Persistent hiccups

Who are more predisposed? 

Gender – Pleural effusions are known to affect females more than men. In women, they are associated with gynecologic and breast malignancies. Clonal effusions with systemic lupus erythematosus reported being more in women than men.

Age – Pleural effusions are known to affect the elderly more of the age of 60 to 70 years when the condition is at its peak. Nevertheless, the age group 21 to 30 have also been reported of pleural effusion and other cardiac disorders.

Pre-existing diseases – Existing diseases like cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, kidney disease, cirrhosis, heart failure and others can lead to pleural effusion in patients.

How Dr. Amitabha Saha treats Pleural effusion?

With vast knowledge, Dr. Amitabha Saha has been an expert in treating pleural effusion with an experience of 22 + years. He, with his adept team of medical practitioners, dig into the root cause of the disease in the concerning patient and strives to remove the cause from the root either by surgery (if required) through medications and change in the lifestyle. His medication and treatment have shown no side-effects till now and have helped the concerning patient live a healthy life thereon.

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