The pleura is described as a thin membrane lining the outside of your lungs and the chest walls. These naturally contain a small amount of fluid, which is produced to ensure smooth lung movements when you breathe. However, if a considerable volume of fluid is collected in the pleura cavity, it can indicate pleural effusion. A pulmonologist in Navi Mumbai will recommend medicine to fix it or a procedure that drains the excess fluid. Usually, the treatment focuses on identifying and treating the underlying cause. Causes of Left-Sided Pleural Effusion a) Heart-related Conditions: Congestive heart failure is the common cause of left-sided pleural effusion. Your heart’s inability to pump blood sufficiently can lead to excess fluid accumulation in your pleural cavity. This is usually bilateral but can be onesided. In some patients, pleural effusion occurs after cardiac surgery. Inflammation of the pleural cavity, an infection, or heart failure after surgery are the common causes. b) Pulmonary conditions:
People with pneumonia and tuberculosis can develop pleural effusion. The infection can extend to the pleural cavity, filling it with fluid. Pulmonary embolism is another condition that increases the risk of pleural effusion. It happens when a blood clot gets into an artery in the lungs, causing a blockage. This blockage affects blood flow, resulting in fluid leakage into the pleural cavity. Other Potential Causes i) Trauma: A serious heart injury that causes bleeding from the chest can lead to left-side pleural effusion. ii) Autoimmune Diseases: Your immune system can mistakenly attack your body’s tissues and organs. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are common examples of autoimmune diseases that can lead to pleural effusion. iii) Cancer: Lung cancer can cause fluid collection in the pleural cavity. Other cancers, like breast cancer or gastrointestinal cancer in their metastasis stage, can also spread to the pleural cavity, causing fluid buildup. Diagnostic Approach The healthcare provider will carefully examine your lungs at the pleural effusion treatment hospital in Navi Mumbai. They will ask about your symptoms and order imaging tests if needed. A chest X-ray, for example, can show pleural effusion by highlighting the fluid in white while the rest of the space appears black. An ultrasound and CT scan might be needed to get a detailed picture of your chest and the pleural cavity. A minimally invasive procedure called thoracentesis is conducted to collect fluid samples from your pleural cavity using a catheter. This sample is sent to a lab for a thorough evaluation. Treatment Options Your doctor will address the underlying cause of the fluid buildup. If it’s caused by an infection, they will prescribe antibiotics to clear it. If it’s due to heart failure, diuretics might be used to reduce excess fluid from your body. Bronchodilators and NSAIDs can be used to help manage your symptoms. Thoracentesis is a medical procedure that involves inserting a needle into your pleural cavity to remove fluid and improve your breathing. Usually, treatment
is decided based on the severity of the pleural effusion and its underlying cause.
Causes of Left-sided Pleural Effusion
Causes of Left-sided Pleural Effusion
The pleura is described as a thin membrane lining the outside of your lungs and the chest walls. These naturall...
