What Is Pleural Fluid?
The accumulation of excessive fluid in the lungs and chest cavity is known as pleural fluid or pleural effusion. Typically, the fluid is produced naturally by the body in small amounts. It is used to lubricate a two-layered structure of tissues which line the lungs and cavity of the chest, known as the pleura, and provides lubrication to help enable breathing. Excessive fluid generally occurs as a symptom of a disease or disorder.
Pleural fluid is commonly caused by congestive heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to produce enough blood to meet the demands of the body. Fluid buildup can be one of the most problematic symptoms of this condition. An individual with congestive heart failure may experience this symptom due to an increase of pressure in the blood vessels. The pressure can cause fluid to leak into the pleural cavity.
Lung disease is another cause of pleural fluid. If the lungs are the cause of the excessive fluid, this is generally due to swelling or inflammation of the pleura lining the lungs. Blood vessels that may begin to leak can cause this to happen. Lung cancer is an example of a pulmonary disease known to contribute to excessive fluid around the lungs. This can be particularly troubling because it can lead to breathing problems.
Symptoms will vary in every individual. Shortness of breath upon exertion is common. Some people may experience chest pains, sweating, coughing and a loss of appetite. There may also be chills and a fever, which may range from moderate to high. Many people with the condition do not experience any symptoms at all.
In many occasions, the fluid is discovered during a routine medical examination, where the physician hears fluid on the lungs from listening to them. Generally, this discovery will lead to the patient undergoing a series of diagnostic tests to reveal the exact cause of the pleural fluid. A computerized tomography (CT) scan may be ordered for a detailed cross-sectional view of the entire chest cavity. Other common tests may include blood tests and chest X-rays. In some cases, some fluid may be withdrawn for analysis under a microscope.
Treatment for pleural fluid will vary according its cause. Medications may be used to treat both the fluid and the disease causing it. For instance, an individual with congestive heart failure may be on heart medications for the heart and a medicine such as a diuretic to get rid of excess fluid in the body. In the event of a serious disease such as lung cancer, chemotherapy will generally be used, possibly in combination of other medicines, to treat both the malignant disease and the fluid resulting from it. The overall goal of treating someone with pleural fluid will be to determine the cause of the fluid buildup. Once that is treated, the excessive fluid will generally subside.
Written by Nat Robinson
