Fluid Around the Lungs (Pleural Effusion)

Pleural effusion, sometimes referred to as “water on the lungs,” is the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and act to lubricate and facilitate breathing. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleura.

The seriousness of the condition depends on the primary cause of pleural effusion, whether breathing is affected, and whether it can be treated effectively. Causes of pleural effusion that can be effectively treated or controlled include an infection due to a virus, pneumonia or heart failure. Two factors that must be considered are treatment for associated mechanical problems as well as treatment of the underlying cause of the pleural effusion.

Common symptoms of a pleural effusion include:

1.    breathlessness

2.    a cough

3.    chest pain.

The build-up of fluid presses on the lung, making it difficult for the lung to expand fully. In some situations, part, or all, of the lung will collapse. This can make you more and more breathless, even when you are resting. You may also get some chest pain and a cough.

There are several different causes of pleural effusion. For people with cancer, pleural effusions are often malignant (see above). This means that there are cancer cells in the pleural space causing fluid to build up. Sometimes, a pleural effusion can occur as a result of inflammation, lung obstruction, trauma, or another medical condition that may not be due to cancer.

Certain types of cancer. Some types of cancer are more likely to cause a pleural effusion. For example, around 40% of people with lung cancer develop a pleural effusion at some point during the course of their cancer.

· Breast cancer

· Lung cancer

· Lymphoma

· Mesothelioma

· Ovarian cancer

Pleural effusion can also be a sign that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

Cancer treatments. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, abdominal surgery, and certain medications can cause pleural effusion. Pleural effusions may also occur after lung surgery.

Other health conditions. Pleural effusion can also be caused by other conditions that are not cancer. These conditions include:

1.    Blood clots in the lungs, also called pulmonary embolism

2.    Heart disease or heart failure

3.    Kidney disease

4.    Liver disease

5.    Pneumonia

6.    Airway obstruction or lung collapse

7.    Poor nutrition, causing low protein levels

If you have symptoms suggestive of lung disease, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. So, when should you see a doctor if you have lung problems? Watch for any symptoms. Persistent symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing can be caused by damage or disease in the lungs and surrounding tissues. Lung problems can also be triggered by problems in other parts of the respiratory system, such as the voice box or windpipe.