Pleural effusion
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - J90/J91
What is pleural effusion?
Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid between the tissues that line the lungs and the chest.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pleural effusion include cough, sharp chest pain, or shortness of breath. Without proper care, the condition can cause significant lung damage.
Causes
Pleural effusion occurs when fluids accumulate between the lungs and the chest. Causes vary, but include heart failure, pneumonia, cirrhosis, pulmonary embolism, cancer, and tuberculosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pleural effusion involves clinical evaluation by a physician and chest imaging tests such as X-ray, CT scan, and ultrasound. Fluid analysis may be necessary to identify the cause.
Prevention Method
It is not always possible to prevent the direct causes of pleural effusion. Avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of the condition.
Treatment
Diuretic medications and surgical fluid removal may be necessary to control the pleural effusion itself, while its underlying cause is managed.
Duration
The duration of pleural effusion is highly variable and its course depends on the underlying cause.
Is it contagious?
Pleural effusion itself is not contagious, but it can result from certain transmissible diseases, such as tuberculosis.
Can it occur more than once?
Yes, it is possible to have more than one episode of pleural effusion in a lifetime, due to various causes.