Overview
The pleura (chest lining) is a thin, double-layered membrane inside the chest. The inner layer covers the surface of the lungs and is called the visceral pleura. The outer layer, known as the parietal pleura, lines the inside of the chest wall.
Between these two layers is a small space called the pleural space. This space normally contains a small amount of fluid, which allows the two layers to glide smoothly over each other as you breathe – similar to two glass plates with a thin layer of liquid between them.
A pleural effusion occurs when too much fluid builds up in the pleural space. This is different from pulmonary edema, where fluid collects inside the lungs themselves. In healthy individuals, only a small amount of fluid is present to allow smooth, pain-free movement of the pleural layers.
When someone develops a pleural effusion, fluid accumulates between the lung and the chest wall. As the amount of fluid increases, it can affect breathing, as the lung is no longer able to fully expand.
Living with pleural effusion
People living with pleural effusion often experience significant physical and emotional challenges in their daily lives – understanding these symptoms can help you manage them more effectively and improve your quality of life.
Causes
Pleural effusion is often a sign of an underlying condition – learn more about the possible causes and how to better understand them.
Symptoms
Depending on the cause, pleural effusion can develop slowly or rapidly and can range from mild to severely debilitating. Learn more about its symptoms and severity.
Diagnosis
Pleural effusion should be evaluated promptly, as it is often caused by an underlying serious condition—an accurate diagnosis is crucial for targeted and effective treatment.
Therapy
The treatment of pleural effusion depends on its underlying cause – in addition to pleurodesis and punctures, our implantable drainage system offers a gentle and more independent alternative for regular fluid drainage.
Videos
You can learn more about pleural effusion and its consequences by watching various videos on the topic.
IN SHORT
Most common causes of pleural effusion
- Cancer
- Heart failure
- Pneumonia
Symptoms of a pleural effusion
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest
- Cough
Synonyms for pleural effusion
- Fluid in the lungs
- Fluid buildup around the lungs
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
Treatment of a pleural effusion
- Punktion
- Pleurodese (Talkum/VATS)
- Pleura-Katheter zur Drainage
With the drainage system, removing the fluid is very simple. Before, I had to go to the emergency department twice to have fluid drained – that’s no longer necessary. I used to feel real panic every time my breathing became difficult.
– Mr. B. from Sachsenhausen / Pleural effusion –
An Overview of the Benefits of ewimed Drainage Systems
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