Ayuba Ernest
Banned
Definition
Pleural Effusion can be defined as the accumulation of fluid (liquid) in the pleural space. When the pleural effusion is massive or rapidly accumulating, it could cause significant respiratory distress.
There are different types of diffusion which are: empyema pulse in the pleural space, haemothorax blood in the pleural space, transudative effusion that happens when the protein content of the fluid is less than 30 g per litre and exudative infusion that happens when the protein content is greater than 30 g per liter.
Cause
the cause of pleural effusion depend on the type of effusion as classified above. Empyema is caused by bacterial infection. There is usually a background tuberculosis infection in most cases of empyema. Other causes of pleural effusion include: trauma, tuberculosis, lymphoma, heart failure, malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome etc.
Symptoms
This would depend on the underlying disease and the amount of accumulated fluid. With mild effusion, patients may not be symptomatic. When massive, patient presents with severe dyspnoea even at rest, and some degrees of chest pain. Other signs include; palpation, increased respiratory rate, etc.
Prevention
Avoid smoking and reduce the intake of alchohol. Smoking is a risk factor and can lead to the development of Pleural Effusion.
Pleural Effusion can be defined as the accumulation of fluid (liquid) in the pleural space. When the pleural effusion is massive or rapidly accumulating, it could cause significant respiratory distress.
There are different types of diffusion which are: empyema pulse in the pleural space, haemothorax blood in the pleural space, transudative effusion that happens when the protein content of the fluid is less than 30 g per litre and exudative infusion that happens when the protein content is greater than 30 g per liter.
Cause
the cause of pleural effusion depend on the type of effusion as classified above. Empyema is caused by bacterial infection. There is usually a background tuberculosis infection in most cases of empyema. Other causes of pleural effusion include: trauma, tuberculosis, lymphoma, heart failure, malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome etc.
Symptoms
This would depend on the underlying disease and the amount of accumulated fluid. With mild effusion, patients may not be symptomatic. When massive, patient presents with severe dyspnoea even at rest, and some degrees of chest pain. Other signs include; palpation, increased respiratory rate, etc.
Prevention
Avoid smoking and reduce the intake of alchohol. Smoking is a risk factor and can lead to the development of Pleural Effusion.