14 Symptoms of Pleural Effusion

2. Chest Pain

Chest pain is common in people who have a pleural effusion. As the lungs fill up with fluid, they can become inflamed. The inflammation means the lungs are swollen. This can cause pressure in the chest and event pain. The pain may be constant, or it can come and go. It may also be worse at night or while sitting or lying in certain positions. Some people only experience pain while taking deep breaths. Others experience it anytime they inhale or exhale. It can be more severe in the elderly and anyone with a lung problem.

The chest pain should go away once the fluid is drained from the lungs or once the underlying cause is treated. If the chest pain lasts more than a few days or becomes too severe, it could be a sign of something more serious. A doctor can diagnose the cause of the chest pain and find an appropriate treatment.