Concept and Etiology
Pleural Effusion can be described as a "Build-up of excess fluids between
the layers of the pleura outside the lungs". Pleura being the two thin outside
layers of the lungs that protect them and facilitate breathing. So, in terms of
the definition of Health discussed in the first discussion, this condition can
affect your health in a negative way. There are typically small amounts of
fluid present to aid in lubrication of the lungs. However, with Pleural
Effusion there is too much and can hinder breathing, potentially causes more
health problems.
Classification
They are classified as exudates and transudates. Exudates being that local
factors are affected, like the lungs themselves. As far as transudates, this
refers to systematic factors are affected. For example, raised blood pressure.
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms can include chest pain, dry cough, shortness or difficulty
breathing. This can be caused by things like heart failure, surgery, lung
cancer and more. Some signs could be hearing a raspy cough, listening to the
lungs or observing someone with laboured breathing.
Diagnostic Tests
In terms of testing for Pleural Effusion there are a few options. They
include a chest X-ray, CT scan of the chest, ultrasound of the chest and an
examination of fluid expelled.
Source
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17373-pleural-effusion-
causes-signs--treatment.
less
