Pleurisy can be a symptom of a variety of health problems. These problems can include lung infections, heart failure, cancer, liver disease and kidney problems. Symptoms of pleurisy can include chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and respiratory distress. Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination, imaging methods such as x-ray and ultrasound. Treatment basically focuses on the underlying cause. By treating the cause of the pleural effusion, the accumulated fluid can be drained. A needle or drainage tube can be used to achieve this purpose. In some cases, chemicals may be injected or surgical intervention may be required to create adhesions between the pleural membranes.
Pleurisy is a condition medically referred to as “pleural effusion” or “pleural fluid buildup.” This condition refers to the condition in which an excessive amount of fluid accumulates between the membrane called the pleura in the chest cavity. The pleural membrane is a thin layer of membrane that covers the lungs and chest cavity. Normally, a small amount of fluid can be found between the pleural membranes. However, if excess fluid accumulates between these membranes for various reasons, this is called pleurisy. Pleurisy often occurs as a symptom of an underlying health problem. These health problems can include various conditions such as lung infections, heart failure, cancer, liver disease, kidney problems.
Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination, x-ray, ultrasound and sometimes more advanced imaging methods. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. A needle or drainage tube can be used to drain the accumulated fluid, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be required. Pleurisy is a medical condition that varies depending on the severity of the underlying health problem. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, symptoms can be controlled, the patient’s relief and quality of life can be increased.
What are the symptoms of pleurisy?
Symptoms of pleurisy occur with symptoms caused by excess fluid accumulating in the chest cavity. These symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the pleurisy. Symptoms of pleurisy may include:
- Chest Pain: There may be a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest area. This pain can often increase when you breathe or cough.
- Shortness of breath: You may experience difficulty breathing or a feeling of rapid breathing. It should be noted that excess fluid can restrict the movement of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
- Cough: Fluid from the pleural effusion can press on the lungs and cause coughing.
- Respiratory Distress: Respiratory distress may occur due to pain in the chest area and the effect of the fluid on the lungs. It may become difficult to take a deep breath or exhale.
- Rapid Breathing: Your breathing frequency may increase, and you may tend to breathe faster than normal.
- Fatigue and Fatigue: Due to difficulty breathing, the body may exert more effort, which can create a general feeling of fatigue.
Symptoms of pleurisy may vary depending on the underlying causes and the patient’s health status. If you are experiencing such symptoms as chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, it is important to contact a healthcare professional and seek medical attention when necessary. Because these symptoms may be a sign of a serious underlying health problem.
How is the fluid accumulated in the lungs removed?
Fluid that accumulates in the lung can be removed by a process called thoracentesis. Thoracentesis is the process of removing fluid from the chest cavity. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia. In the thoracentesis procedure, a needle or tube is inserted into the chest wall. The needle or tube is advanced until it reaches the fluid in the chest cavity. The fluid is then drained using a needle or tube.
The thoracentesis procedure is usually short and painless. However, in some cases, there may be a risk that the needle or tube may damage vessels or nerves in the chest wall. Thoracentesis is a commonly used method for removing fluid accumulated in the lungs. The procedure helps to ease the breathing of the lungs and reduce shortness of breath.