All about pleural effusion  causes of pleural effusion symptoms of pleural effusion diagnosis of pleural effusion treatment for pleural effusion |
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How is pleural effusion diagnosed?
A physician may suspect a pleural effusion based on a patient's past medical history and description of his or her symptoms. Diagnosis is usually accomplished with a simple chest x-ray, although further radiographic tests may be needed to confirm the presence of pleural fluid. Ultrasound and CT (computed tomography) scan of the chest are often used to confirm pleural effusion. A special chest x-ray technique, a lateral decubitus film, can confirm the presence of fluid and enable the physican to make an estimate of the amount. This x-ray technique is performed with the patient lying on his or her side, allowing the free-flowing fluid to shift in the chest. It can be seen pooling along the side wall of the chest and measuring the depth of the fluid gives an idea of how much fluid is present. Occasionally, bronchoscopy (a direct visual examination of the airways through a viewing tube) helps the doctor find the cause of the fluid. In about 20% of people with pleural effusion, the cause is not obvious after initial testing, and in some people a cause is never found, even after extensive testing. |
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More information on pleural effusion
What is pleural effusion? - A pleural effusion is the buildup of fluid between the outer lining of the lungs (visceral lining) and the inner lining of the chest cavity.
What causes pleural effusion? - Transudative pleural effusions are usually caused by a disorder in the normal pressure in the lung. The cause and type of pleural effusion is determined by thoracentesis.
What're the symptoms of pleural effusion? - The most common symptoms of pleural effusion are shortness of breath and chest pain.
How is pleural effusion diagnosed? - Diagnosis of pleural effusion is ccomplished with a simple chest x-ray, further radiographic tests may be needed to confirm the presence of pleural fluid.
What's the treatment for pleural effusion? - Treatment of pleural effusion may be directed at removing the fluid, preventing its re-accumulation, or addressing the underlying cause of the fluid buildup. |
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