Pleural Effusion

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is a condition where fluid accumulates in the pleural space, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Functional symptoms:

• Small effusion: Pleuritic chest pain, increased with coughing, sneezing, and deep breaths.

• Moderate effusion: Mild shortness of breath, lying on the side of the effusion.

• Large effusion: Significant shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, needing to sit up.

• Accompanying symptoms: Dry cough, productive cough, coughing when changing positions.

• Physical symptoms:

• Inspection: Intercostal space expansion, decreased mobility.

• Palpation: Decreased or absent tactile fremitus.

• Percussion: Dullness in the area of effusion.

• Auscultation: Decreased or absent breath sounds, pleural friction rub.

• 3 Decreases Syndrome: Decreased tactile fremitus, dull percussion, decreased breath sounds.

• Small effusion with consolidation: Pleural rub, moist rales, crackles.

• Large effusion: Cardiac apex displaced to the healthy side.

Tests:

• X-ray:

• Small effusion: Blunting of the costophrenic angle.

• Moderate effusion: Damoiseau curve.

• Large effusion: Opacity in one lung, mediastinal shift to the healthy side.

• Definitive Diagnosis:

• 3 Decreases Syndrome.

• X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan showing fluid.

• Fluid aspiration.

Classification:

• Free effusion:

• Small effusion: Diagnosed using paraclinical tests.

• Moderate and large effusion: 3 Decreases Syndrome in the lower area, clear paraclinical findings.

• Loculated effusion: Diagnosed using paraclinical tests.

Causes:

• Transudate:

• Chronic kidney disease, kidney failure.

• Cirrhosis.

• Congestive heart failure.

• Hypothyroidism.

• Malnutrition.

• Exudate:

• Tuberculosis.

• Cancer.

• Lung and pleural infections.

• Pulmonary embolism.

• Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

• Hemothorax:

• Trauma.

• Lung cancer.

• Post-procedural complications.

• Thoracic aortic dissection.

Common causes:

• Tuberculosis.

• Pneumonia, pleurisy.

• Congestive heart failure.

• Cancer.

• Cirrhosis.

• Kidney failure.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor. If you suspect you have pleural effusion, please consult a doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.