Lungs & airwaysSign of underlying diseaseICD-10 J90
Pleural effusion
Also called: Fluid on the lung
Excess fluid collects between the layers of the pleura around the lung, compressing it and causing breathlessness. It is a sign of another condition rather than a disease in itself.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Transudate: heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease
- Exudate: pneumonia (parapneumonic), cancer, tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, autoimmune disease
Risk factors
- Heart failure
- Cancer
- Chest infections
Symptoms
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain on breathing
- Dry cough
- Symptoms of the cause
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Chest X-ray and ultrasound
- Pleural fluid sampling (Light's criteria, cytology, culture)
- CT scan
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Treat the cause (diuretics in heart failure, antibiotics for infection)
Operations and procedures
- Therapeutic aspiration
- Chest drain for infected effusion
- Pleurodesis or indwelling pleural catheter for malignant effusion
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Report worsening breathlessness
Possible complications
- Empyema
- Trapped lung
Prevention
- Control of the underlying condition
Outlook
Depends entirely on the cause.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for increasing breathlessness or pleuritic chest pain.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
Educational overview, not medical advice. Treatment varies by person and location. Consult a qualified health professional for diagnosis or care. Read our content and model notes and privacy information.