FLUID AROUND THE LUNGS: PLEURAL EFFUSION

PLEURAL EFFUSION: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES  AND DIAGNOSIS

Pleural effusion refers to fluid around the lungs, while pulmonary edema involves fluid in the lungs. Pleural effusion occurs when the excessive water accumulates between the pleural layers around the lungs.

SYMPTOMS

The first and most common symptom is chest pain which is usually sharp and get worsen with deep breathe, it occurs in 90% of pleural effusion cases.

The second most common symptom is shortness of breathe especially when the patient is active or lying down. It occur in 70% of cases of pleural effusion orthia means difficulty breathing when lying down is also characteristic of plural effusion. During examination the affected area may show diminished breathe sounds when listened with a stethoscope. Chest X rays, CT scans and ultrasound can reveal the presence of fluid in the chest.

CAUSES

 The most common cause of pleural effusion among young people is pneumonia, these patients usually have a history of cold and flu symptoms such as fever and cough which indicate an infection are common and a cough is almost present, the cough is usually wet although a dry cough is also possible. Chest pain typically stabbing and sharp jncreases during coughing and deep breathing. Pleural effusion due to pneumonia is usually one sided or unilateral and often has a rapid onset.

Chest pain is the most common symptom of pleural effusion caused by pneumonia which is usually due to bacterial infection. Viral infections rarely cause pleural effusion therefore antibiotics are often the treatment of choice among older adults. Pleural effusion is usually due to heart failure and hears such as shortness of breathe failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened to the extent that it cannot pump blood efficiently. During heart failure pressure increases in the veins especially in the pulmonary veins causing fluid to leak from the capillaries and accumulate in the plural space between the lungs and the chest wall.

 When pleural effusion is caused by heart failure it is usually bilateral meaning it occurs on both sides of the lungs, this type of effusion develops gradually over time not abruptly. Patients are usually older than 65 and often have other symptoms of heart problems such as shortness of breathe, fatigue, leg swelling and fluid accumulation in the abdomen known as ascites. Such patients typically have rapid heart rate and difficulty in lying flat, therefore when an older adult have pleural effusion it is due to heart failure. In 60% of cases the second most common cause of pleural effusion is cancer particularly in older adults with a probability of around 20% when pleural effusion develops to cancer, it is usually exudative meaning the fluid is not clear but contains a high amount of proteins and various types of cells including cancer cells.

 Additionally plural effusion is unilateral in many cases in contrast to heart failure. Pleural effusion  due to cancer sometimes develops quickly within several weeks, the patient is usually over 65 years old and often diagnosed with cancer, most commonly lung cancer, breast cancer or mesothelioma. Furthermore trauma and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid, arthritis and lapus can also cause pleural effusion, these are common among younger people. Pulmonary embolism can also be a cause but its primary symptoms or sign is usually not pleural effusion as it is an emergency and life threatening condition.

PREVENTION

1 Treat pneumonia. tuberculosis or other lung infections promptly,
2  Control cancer through treatment.
3  Manage heart failure, kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis through medication and lifestyle changes.
4 Treat autoimmune disorders eg. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.
;
REDUCE RISK FACTORS

1  Quit smoking to reduce lung disease risk,
2  Limit exposers to asbestos, radiation, or toxic substances.
3  Maintain a healthy weight to reduce cancer risk.
4  Exercise regularly to improve overall health'
5  Get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia'
6  Practice good hygiene to prevent infections.

DIET FOR PLEURAL EFFUSION

Pleural effusion patients requires a diet that helps manage fluid build up, reduces inflammation, and supports overall health.

 FlUID MANAGEMENT

1: Low sodium diet: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 to 2000 mg per day to reduce fluid retention.
2:  Fluid Restriction: Limit fluid intake to 2 liters per day, if prescribed by your doctor.
3:  Monitor Fluid Balance: Weigh yourself daily and track fluid intake per output.

NUTRIENTS RICH FOODS.

1:  Protein Rich Foods: Include lean meats, fish, eggs, diary, legumes and nuts to maintain muscle mass.
2: Fresh Fruits And Vegetables; Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
3:  Whole grains:  Choose whole grains, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
4: Healthy Fats: Include sources like avacado, olive oil, and nuts.

INFLAMMATION REDUCTION

1: Omega-3 fatty acids : Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
2: Antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, leafy greens, and other foods and vegetables.
3: Turmeric and Ginger: Have anti-inflammatory properties.