The accumulation of fluid around the lungs (in the pleural space) is known as Pleural Effusion. The pleura is the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. Usually, this space contains a small amount of fluid. However, when excess fluid accumulates, this condition occurs, and the lungs cannot expand fully, making breathing difficult.
The most common symptoms of fluid accumulation around the lungs are shortness of breath and chest pain. Other symptoms include coughing, fever, and rapid breathing. This condition gets treat with medication, surgery, and fluid drainage using a needle. Bussin Snacks Review Discover if this online snack store is a scam or legit
This article further discusses the different causes and treatments of Pleural effusion. So, continue reading to know more.
5 Causes of Pleural Effusion
Various medical conditions can cause pleural effusion, including numerous possible causes. Some common causes of pleural effusion include:
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Acute respiratory distress syndrome results from the lungs becoming suddenly overload with fluid. The lung fluid accumulation restricts oxygen flow into the bloodstream, leading to hypoxia or low blood oxygen levels. Various factors can contribute to this condition’s development, including infection, pneumonia, trauma, and sepsis. One potential complication of ARDS is the development of pleural effusion.
- Infection
Infection is another common cause of the pleural effusion. For example, bacteria or other organisms can spread from different body parts to the lungs, causing an infection that results in fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Other causes of infection-related pleural effusion include tuberculosis and fungal infections.
- Cancer
Cancer is a common cause, accounting for up to 50% of cases. Common cancers that spread to the pleura are breast, lung, and malignant melanoma. However, any cancer can metastasize to the pleura.
Cancer cells spread to the pleura, and cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This fluid can then compress the lungs and interfere with breathing.
- Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases are a common cause of pleural effusion. In these diseases, the body’s immune system attacks its tissues, leading to fluid build-up in the chest cavity. The most common autoimmune diseases causing this condition are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma.
- Cirrhosis
One potential cause of pleural effusion is cirrhosis or poor liver function. In cirrhosis, liver damage impairs bodily ability to remove fluids from the body, resulting in the accumulation of excess fluid in the lungs and other parts of the body. In such a case, the best advice is to seek the best lung specialist in Mumbai.
Treatment
A variety of treatment options for pleural effusion is provided by the best lung specialist in Mumbai, depending on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
- Drainage of the fluid
This treatment option can be done with a needle insert through the chest into the pleural space. It can also be done through surgery to create a drainage hole in the side of the chest.
- Antibiotics
An antibiotic will most likely be prescribe or administer if you have a bacterial infection. In most cases, they will perform this procedure along with drainage.
- Surgery
In some cases, treatment for pleural effusion may require surgery. It is usually when the fluid has built up to a large volume. Different surgeries can use to treat pleural effusion. The most common call as thoracoscopy.
Conclusion
There are many potential causes of fluid accumulation around your lungs. While some reasons may be severe, others are not. So, if you are experiencing fluid around your lungs, seek medical attention from the best lung specialist in Mumbai to determine the cause. It is important as the faster you know the reason, the quicker you will treat.
