Description
Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of tissue covering the lungs and chest cavity. In normal conditions, the body produces pleural fluid in small amounts to lubricate the surface of the pleura, the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. This excess fluid makes the abnormal condition.

Two types of effusion include:
1. Transudative Pleural effusion caused by fluid leaking into the pleural cavity. This is caused by high pressure, or low protein content in blood vessels. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of this effusion.
2. Exudative effusions usually the result of leaking blood vessels caused by inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the pleura. This is often caused by lung disease. Examples are lung cancer, lung infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, drug reactions, and Asbestosis.

Symptoms
* Chest pain, the pain usually is worse when coughing or taking a deep breath
* Cough
* Fever
* Hiccup
* Shortness of breath

Treatment
Treatment can be directed to a discharge, to prevent from accumulating again, or deal with the cause of fluid buildup.
Therapeutic thoracentesis may be done if a large fluid collection and causing pressure, shortness of breath, or other respiratory problems, such as low oxygen levels. Removing the fluid can expand the lungs, making breathing easier.

For example, pleural effusions caused by congestive heart failure treated with diuretics (water pills) and other drugs that treat heart failure. Pleural effusion caused by infection is treated with appropriate antibiotics. For patients who have cancer or infections often treated with chest tube for a few days to drain the fluid. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or drugs that prevent the accumulation can be used again in some cases.

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