Pleural effusion is a medical condition where excess fluid accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This can impair breathing by limiting the lungs' ability to expand.

Causes:

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): The most common cause, where the heart's failure to pump blood efficiently leads to fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Pneumonia: Infection can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation.
• Liver Disease (Cirrhosis): Decreased protein production and fluid regulation can lead to effusion.
• Kidney Disease: Fluid overload and low protein levels contribute to pleural effusion.
• Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lung can cause fluid buildup.
• Cancer: Lung cancer, breast cancer, and lymphomas can cause pleural effusion.
• Infections: Tuberculosis and other infections can lead to pleural fluid accumulation.
• Pulmonary Edema: Fluid leaks into the pleural space from the lung interstitium.

Risk Factors:

• Chronic Heart Conditions: Heart disease or history of congestive heart failure.
• Liver Disease: Cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
• Kidney Disorders: Chronic kidney disease.
• Respiratory Infections: Frequent or severe pneumonia.
• Cancer: Especially cancers that metastasize to the pleura.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Trauma or Surgery: Chest injuries or surgeries can increase risk.

Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply (pleuritic pain)
• Dry, nonproductive cough
• Fever (if associated with infection)
• Hiccups
• Rapid breathing

Symptoms:

• Treating the Underlying Cause:Heart Failure: Diuretics and other heart medications.
  Infections: Antibiotics or antifungals.
  Cancer: Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
• Therapeutic Thoracentesis: Draining fluid to relieve symptoms.
• Chest Tube Insertion: For continuous drainage in severe cases.
• Pleurodesis: A procedure to adhere the lung to the chest wall, preventing fluid reaccumulation.
• Medications: Diuretics to remove excess fluid, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Surgery: In cases of recurring effusion or to treat the underlying cause, such as pleurectomy or decortication.