What is fluid in the lung?

The term "fluid in the lung" can be used to explain a variety of different conditions. These include:

→ Pleural or pleural effusion – fluid between the ribs and the lung, like a balloon being pushed into a bucket of water. Thoracic surgeons help diagnose and treat people with pleural effusion. A small amount of fluid may be normal immediately after thoracic surgery.

→ Pulmonary edema – fluid within the lung tissue, like a wet sponge. Pulmonary edema is mainly caused by heart problems and is not usually treated by thoracic surgeons. There are many causes. pleural effusion, some minor and others more serious.

Some of these include:

Severe chest infection Severe chest infections can cause infected fluid to build up around the lung, this is called an empyema. If the body fights the infection, scar tissue and fluid may remain. Tuberculosis (TB) can also cause pleural effusion.

Previous bleeding into the thoracic cavity For example, after a broken rib. Blood in the chest is called a hemothorax.

Cancer Mesothelioma is a cancer that starts in the pleura. It is much more common in people who have worked with asbestos, but it can also occur in people who have not. Lung cancer, or the spread of cancer from elsewhere in the body, can also cause pleural effusion.

Many other causes are possible, including heart problems, inflammation (such as arthritis), liver problems, and kidney disease. These causes can often be diagnosed without surgery. Surgery may be needed to diagnose the cause of the pleural effusion, this is called a pleural biopsy.

Patients who have had repeated punctures may also need to have a semi-permanent IPC catheter placed for recurrent collections. The patient may also need to undergo a procedure called pleurodesis to stop the pleural effusion from recurring.

Conclusion

Fluid in the lung is not a simple condition, but a symptom that indicates an underlying disease. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or cough, it is important to consult a specialist such as a pulmonologist and with an imaging such as x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan etc. refer you to a thoracic surgeon for a complete evaluation and treatment.