Pleural Effusion

PLEURAL EFFUSION

-collection of fluid in the pleural space

-a symptom, NOT a disease which is caused by a lot of conditions

Classification:

a.Transudative

-systemic causes

-due to accumulation of protein poor & cell poor fluid such as :CHF, nephrosis, cirrhosis

-often called "hydrothorax"

b.Suppurative

-"empyema"-->pus

-accumulation of cells with high specific gravity & lactate dehydrogenase such as:

-malignancies

-infections

-inflammatory reactions

S/SX:

-dyspnea

-dullness on affected area

-absent or decreased BS on

affected area

-pallor

-fatigue

-fever

Diagnosis: -CXR -biopsy:

Management:

a. identify & treat the cause

b. thoracentesis

c. drug therapy

d. closed chest drainage