What do pleural effusions indicate?

The pleura creates too much fluid when it’s irritated, inflamed, or infected. This fluid accumulates in the chest cavity outside the lung, causing what’s known as a pleural effusion. Certain types of cancer can cause pleural effusions, lung cancer in men and breast cancer in women being the most common.

What is the usual treatment for pleural effusions?

Diuretics and other heart failure medications are used to treat pleural effusion caused by congestive heart failure or other medical causes. A malignant effusion may also require treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a medication infusion within the chest.

What is a pleural catheter used for?

Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are increasingly being used for patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusions. They are simple to place and can be done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. IPCs uniformly relieve dyspnea and improve quality of life of patients with malignant pleural effusions.

How do you drain a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is usually drained by putting a tube into the chest. This is called a chest drain and is done by a doctor. They will ask you to sit on a chair, or on the edge of the bed. You will need to lean forward over a table with a pillow on it, so that your back is showing.

Can you flush a pleural catheter?

An inexperienced operator should not flush a pleural catheter. Pneumothorax – pleural catheters and drainage bottles for pneumothorax should have a label affixed which is clearly marked ‘Not to be flushed’.

What should I avoid if I have pleural effusion?

Smoking and high blood pressure put you at greater risk of getting pleural effusion. Avoid smoking altogether, and seek help if you would like to quit. Find healthy ways to manage stress, and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Get in the habit of washing your hands frequently to avoid exposure to viruses or bacteria.

Is pleural effusion dangerous?

This situation is called a pleural effusion. A few other conditions are associated with pleural effusion caused by pleural fluid, including lung disease and congestive heart failure. Pleural effusion is dangerous if left untreated, but is relatively easy to treat.

Is a pleural effusion serious?

Pleural effusions can be serious and life-threatening. Most require hospitalized treatment and some require surgery. The time it takes to recover from pleural effusions depends on the cause, size, and severity of the effusion, as well as your overall health. You’ll begin your recovery in the hospital,…

Is pleural effusion curable?

The goal in treating a malignant pleural effusion is most often palliative, that is, to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms but not to cure the malignancy. If the effusion is very small, it can sometimes be left alone.

What is a pleural drainage catheter?

The Aspira* Pleural Drainage Catheter is a tunneled, long-term catheter used to drain accumulated fluid from the pleural cavity to relieve symptoms associated with pleural effusion.