Parapneumonic effusion9/8/2023 ![]() ![]() We may also need to aspirate larger volumes for symptom relief (which can be done at the same time as diagnostic tap, as explained above). For example, an infection will be treated with antibiotics. Your medical team will always try and treat the underlying cause of the pleural effusion. This is usually with the Ambulatory EmergencyĬare unit (AEC in Outpatients 1) or Respiratory (lung specialist) clinic. Depending on the clinical situation you may be discharged and have follow up. Having a pleural effusion does not necessarily mean you need to be admitted to hospital. In some cases, a computer tomography (CT or CAT scan) may assist in diagnosis. ![]() It can also be used as a form of treatment and is done by numbing the skin using local anasethetic. This involves a small needle which is inserted into the pleural space to take a small amount of fluid to help with diagnosis. We may also perform an aspiration or pleural tap using ultrasound guidance. Normally a chest X-ray is sufficient to diagnose a pleural effusion. This includes taking bloods and an X-ray. Your doctor will take a history, do a clinical examination and investigations. There are many conditions that can cause this to happen. When it is filled with fluid it is called pleural effusion. Occasionally this pleural space can fill with air, fluid, infection, pus and/or blood. Between the two layers is a very thin space that is normally filled with a small amount of fluid. Your pleura is a large, thin sheet of tissue that wraps around your lungs and lines the inside of your chest wall. What is a pleural effusion?Ī pleural effusion is a condition affecting the lining of the lung (pleura). Alternatively you can contact the ward you were discharged from.įor more specific advice you can ask your team or contact the Respiratory Nurse Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm via the hospital switchboard 020 8560 2121. If you have any questions or feedback on this leaflet, please contact the AEC Unit Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm and 11am–2pm at weekends. This leaflet will help explain what a pleural effusion is and what you can expect after a diagnosis has been made. ![]() It has been developed to include national and locally agreed patient-centred evidence. The pleural effusion pathway has been created for patients with a pleural effusion to explain your patient journey. ![]()
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