{"id":6128,"date":"2019-04-30T03:25:10","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T03:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6128"},"modified":"2021-04-01T15:49:05","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T15:49:05","slug":"14-things-to-expect-after-thoracentesis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-things-to-expect-after-thoracentesis\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Things to Expect After Thoracentesis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Thoracentesis refers to a procedure that is conducted to remove air or fluid that has built up around the lungs. This procedure consists of putting a needle through the chest wall. The needle goes into the pleural space, which is a thin gap located between the inner chest wall and the pleura of the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pleura surround the lungs and inside the space, there is a bit of fluid. This fluid helps to prevent the pleura from rubbing together during breathing. When there is excess fluid in the space it is referred to as pleural effusion. It becomes more difficult to breathe when this occurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thoracentesis may be done in order to determine the cause of the pleural effusion. It can also be used to treat pleural effusion as a way to remove the fluid. Here are some things to expect after a thoracentesis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Why Thoracentesis is Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons why your doctor may suggest thoracentesis<\/a>. One of the most common reasons that this procedure is conducted is to determine what is causing the pleural effusion. The procedure is also done in order to remove the excess fluid from the lungs. This can help alleviate some of the symptoms of pleural effusion such as difficulty breathing and chest pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fluid that is removed will be sent to a lab in order to determine what may be causing the build-up of fluid around the lungs. Thoracentesis can help to diagnose different health issues such as congestive heart failure, bacterial infections, viral infections, and fungal infections, cancer, autoimmune diseases, blood clots, and pancreatitis. This procedure is one of the best options to determine the underlying cause of the pleural effusion. It can help diagnose the issue so that proper treatment can be started. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Risks Associated with Thoracentesis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any type of medical procedure is going to come with some risks and thoracentesis is no different. There are a few risks of this procedure that you may want to be concerned about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One risk of thoracentesis is pneumothorax<\/a>. This is when air gets into the space between the lung coverings or pleural space and causes one of the lungs to collapse. Some of the other risks of this procedure include infections, bleeding, a spleen or liver injury. The risks associated with the procedure greatly depend on your overall general health as well as several other factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to ask your health care provider which risks apply to you. Make sure that you discuss any concerns that you have about the procedure. If you have a bleeding condition, thoracentesis should not be done as this can be quite dangerous. Make sure your doctor is aware of any medical conditions that you have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Preparing for the Procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your doctor believes that you need thoracentesis, they will fully explain the procedure to you. It is important to make sure that you research the procedure and ask your medical provider any questions that you may have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most offices will ask you to sign a consent form that will allow them to perform the procedure. Make sure that you read this form carefully. If you have any questions about the form make sure that you ask them. It is also important to make sure that you tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic <\/a>to any type of medication, anesthetic medications, latex, tape, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, you should not have this procedure done. It is also important, to be honest about any current medications that you are taking. This includes herbal supplements and vitamins and over the counter medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. During the Procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people will have thoracentesis done as an outpatient procedure, which means that you will go home the same day. It may also be done during a stay at the hospital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The procedure may be done in several ways depending on your condition. In most cases, you will put on a hospital gown and you may be given oxygen <\/a>either through a mask or nasal tube. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing will be monitored during the procedure. You will be sitting in a hospital bed when the procedure is done. Your arms are placed on a table that is over the bed. This helps to spread the ribs, where the needle will be inserted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The skin will be cleaned and a numbing solution will be injected. Once the area is numb a needle will be put through the space between the ribs in your back. The fluid will be drawn into the needle. Once the fluid is removed, the needle is removed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Directly After the Procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fluid that was removed will be sent off to the lab for testing. The puncture site will be dressed. This dressing will be checked regularly to see if there is any blood or other fluids draining from the site. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some doctors will order a chest x-ray after the procedure to make sure that the lungs are okay. The chest x-ray will show if anything was punctured during the procedure and will also ensure that the chest cavity is functioning properly after the procedure has ended. Your breathing, pulse, and blood pressure<\/a> will be closely monitored after the procedure to make sure that your body is still functioning properly after the procedure has been completed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this was an outpatient procedure you can expect to stay at the hospital or clinic for at least a couple of hours to make sure that you are okay to go home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Going Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have had the procedure done as an outpatient service, you will be able to go home shortly after the procedure has been finished. Your doctor will make sure that all of your vitals are okay before allowing you to leave the medical center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need someone there to drive you home as you will not be allowed to drive after having this procedure conducted. Once you are released and at home, you will typically be able to go back to your normal activities and diet <\/a>as instructed by your healthcare provider. Make sure that you follow the instructions that your doctor has given you regarding the care of the puncture wound as well as your body. You may be required to limit your physical activity for several days following the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are in the hospital for an illness, your doctor may have other precautions that are to be taken after the procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. When to Be Concerned<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After having thoracentesis there are a few things that you should watch out for. If you start to run a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher, it is important to contact your healthcare provider as this could be a sign that you have an infection<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the area where the needle went into the skin becomes red or swollen, or if there is blood or another fluid leaking from the site it is important to contact your medical provider as this is another possible sign of an infection. Other reasons that you need to seek medical attention after thoracentesis include chest pain, feeling short of breath, or having difficulty breathing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these are signs that something is not quite right and you need to see your doctor in order to rule out infections and to find out what is causing you to experience these symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. What to Know After the Procedure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is important to make sure that you have all of your questions answered before you agree to thoracentesis. While this procedure typically does not cause any harmful side effects, there are some risks involved in having this procedure completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, once you have gone through the procedure it is important to ask your doctor about any concerns that you have. You should know how to change the dressing and how often. You also need to know what kind of drainage you should be experiencing if any from the needle site. Also, ask your doctor about any symptoms that you should be concerned about and when you should call him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also important to set up a follow-up visit to discuss the results of the thoracentesis so that you can begin the proper treatment <\/a>for whatever is actually causing your pleural effusion as this is the main point of having the procedure completed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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