Pleural fluid

Pleural fluid is fluid that accumulates between the outer layer of the lungs and the inside of the chest, called the pleural cavity.

Pleural fluid can accumulate due to infections, inflammation, injuries or other medical issues with the heart, liver or kidneys that cause excess fluid in this area.

People with pleural fluid may have difficulty breathing, experience chest pain and sometimes coughing.

A doctor can diagnose pleural fluid through a physical examination, imaging tests such as an X-ray or ultrasound imaging, and sometimes by taking a small sample of the fluid.

The treatment depends on the cause. The fluid may disappear on its own. But, in other cases, the doctor may remove it using a needle or a drain.

Resting can aid the recovery process, especially if the pleural fluid is due to an infection. It is important to listen to the doctor for the right treatment plan.

Preventing the cause, such as avoiding infections or managing other medical conditions, can help prevent recurrence of pleural fluid.