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In some cases of pleurisy, excess fluid builds up in the pleural space. This is called a pleural effusion. The buildup of fluid usually forces the two layers of the pleura apart so they don't rub against each other when you breathe. This can relieve your pain.
However, a large amount of extra fluid can push the pleura against your lung until the lung, or a part of it, collapses. This can make it hard for you to breathe.
Common causes of pleural effusion include heart failure and cancer.
In some cases of pleural effusion, the extra fluid gets infected and turns into an abscess. This is called an empyema.
Large pleural effusions may be drained by your pulmonary doctor through a needle thoracentesis. If this is unsuccessful or the effusion recurs, some patients benefit from video-assisted thoracic surgery with small incisions to drain the effusion and place talc powder or other agents in the chest. The latter helps heal the space and this prevents further fluid buildup. |
