{"id":6160,"date":"2019-04-30T03:56:44","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T03:56:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6160"},"modified":"2021-04-01T17:05:19","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T17:05:19","slug":"14-symptoms-of-pleural-effusion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-symptoms-of-pleural-effusion\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms of Pleural Effusion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pleural effusion occurs when fluid gets between the two layers of tissue that cover the lungs. The fluid buildup is typically caused by an illness such as pneumonia, or a cold. Once the underlying cause is treated, the fluid leaves the lungs and the symptoms subside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While not all cases of the condition are serious, pleural effusion can be a sign of congestive heart failure and pulmonary embolism. The symptoms of the condition often mimic those of other illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma. People with other lung problems may have more severe symptoms and may stay sick longer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis. Once the underlying cause is found, treatment can begin. Symptoms usually start to get better within a week of treatment. If the underlying cause is serious, some symptoms may last longer, even with proper treatment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Shortness of Breath<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When there is pleural effusion, the lungs can\u2019t work how they should. They cannot expand properly, and it becomes hard to breathe. The lungs <\/a>need to be able to expand in order for a person to get a complete breath. When the fluid that lubricates the lungs fills up, it prevents the lungs from expanding all the way. As a result, it\u2019s hard to get a complete breath. Moving around and changing positions while sleeping may help improve breathing, but the problem may continue as long as the pleural effusion is present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who have other breathing problems such as asthma may have more severe shortness of breath. This symptom can also be more dangerous for people with breathing problems, lung problems, or congestive heart failure. If breathing becomes too difficult, seek medical attention. A doctor may be able to drain the fluid around the lungs so you can breathe more easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Chest Pain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chest pain<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Cough<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When the lungs are full of fluid, the body wants to remove it. Breathing is difficult, and a cough <\/a>is a natural reaction to something foreign being in the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cough may contain fluid and phlegm or may be dry. The cough can be mild or severe. In most cases, the cough will get worse the longer the person remains sick with the condition. Cough suppressants may help treat the symptoms but won\u2019t help the underlying cause of the condition or the conditions itself. Mucus medications may be able to thin the mucus in the lungs to make breathing easier and reduce coughing. It can also help make the mucus easier to remove. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors may also prescribe medications that can help treat the cough related to pleural effusion. A cough can be a symptom of many other illnesses as well, so it\u2019s best to allow a doctor to diagnose the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Hiccups <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hiccups <\/a>can be an annoying and sometimes painful symptom of pleural effusion. Most people won\u2019t relate hiccups to serious health problems, but they often occur whenever a normal breathing pattern is interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A nerve connects the brain to the diaphragm. If this nerve gets irritated or aggravated, there can be miscommunication and hiccups can occur. When the lungs become inflamed and enlarged, they can press against the nerve and cause hiccups. Some people may only experience hiccups for a short time while others may suffer from them for hours. Holding your breath, drinking water, and changing positions can help treat hiccups, but may not work for everyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hiccups can come and go or may be chronic. Some people have reported suffering from hiccups for several days without finding any relief. Once the fluid in the lungs goes down, the hiccups should subside. If the hiccups become painful and last more than a few days, talk to a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Rapid Breathing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since pleural effusion makes it hard to breathe properly, and take deep breaths, many people find themselves breathing rapidly instead. They struggle to get enough oxygen<\/a>, and since they can take in a lot of air at once, they decide to gulp it in and try to get in a lot in short bursts. This can be exhausting and lead to fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rapid breathing can also make other symptoms worse and doesn\u2019t help the problem. Breathing rapidly can also put a strain on the heart and other organs. If breathing becomes too rapid, a person can hyperventilate. Rapid breathing can also lead to nausea. If the fluid in the lungs becomes so thick that rapid breathing is necessary to get a breath, you may need to seek medical treatment immediately. A doctor can find the underlying cause for the pleural effusion and restore your breathing patterns back to normal with the proper treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Fever <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fever <\/a>is common with many types of illnesses including those that cause pleural effusion. When the body realizes there is something foreign in the body such as an infection, it tries to reset the body to boost the immune system. It raises the body temperature until the reset occurs and the infection is gone. Fevers can be mild or severe, and if they get too high, they can be dangerous. You can reduce a fever with over the counter medications and cool baths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you have a fever to avoid dehydration. Fever can come and go as long as the underlying cause of the pleural effusion is present. Once the infection is treated, the fever should subside. If you have a high fever or a fever that will not go away or goes away and return for more than three days, it could be a sign of another problem. You should talk to a doctor for a proper diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Chills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people who suffer from pleural effusion also experience chills. The chills are the result of the body feeling cold, regardless of the temperature in the room. Chills <\/a>often accompany a fever as well. The chills are more of a symptom of the underlying cause of the pleural effusion than the actual condition itself. If there is a fever, the chills may subside once the fever goes down. There is no specific way to treat the chills, but fluids may help flush the system and reduce the fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fever medications may also help. Staying warm with blankets can also help reduce chills. Some people experience severe chills that last for a long time while others may only experience them for a few mins. Chills can come and go until the reason for the pleural effusion is treated. Chills can be a symptom of other conditions too including the flu and the common cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Night Sweats<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you can\u2019t breathe properly, it puts a strain on the body. This strain can cause other health problems including night sweats. Night sweats<\/a> may be mild or severe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people wake up in the middle of the night feel wet and sweaty for no reason. The sweats can also lead to chills. Some people struggle to fall asleep or get comfortable because of the night sweats. Body temperature can also play a role in the cause of night sweats. If you have a fever and it breaks at night, you may suddenly wake up sweating. There is no specific treatment for night sweats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a fever is the cause of the night sweats, fever-reducing medication may help. Drinking plenty of water can also help fight dehydration which can be caused by night sweats and also cause them. Talk to a doctor if your night sweats become chronic and do not get better after you recover from the pleural effusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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