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
Popularity: 4% [?]
