{"id":6472,"date":"2019-05-07T03:16:30","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T03:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6472"},"modified":"2021-11-10T09:00:20","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T09:00:20","slug":"14-known-causes-of-pleural-effusion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-known-causes-of-pleural-effusion\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Known Causes of Pleural Effusion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Oxygen is extremely important when it comes to our survival. We take oxygen in through the air that we breathe in. The air is taken in through the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lungs are constantly inhaling and exhaling in order to provide our body with a steady stream of air that is full of oxygen. Once oxygen is absorbed into the blood it is then transported throughout the body where it is needed. The lungs are made up of soft tissues. These soft tissues are protected by linings that help protect the lungs from rubbing up against the other tissues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a bit of fluid between the linings that acts as a lubricant. At times excess fluid may accumulate between the linings. When this happens it is a medical condition referred to as pleural effusion. If left untreated this can cause some major issues in the body. Here are 8 known causes of pleural effusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Congestive Heart Failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each day of your life the heart will constantly pump. This keeps the blood flowing all throughout the body. The pumping of the blood throughout the body ensures that all areas of the body are supplied with the nutrition and oxygen <\/a>that we need every single minute of every day in order to survive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the circulation is affected for any reason, medical complications may arise. One condition that can affect the circulation of blood throughout the body is congestive heart failure. When a person has congestive heart failure the blood does not flow the way that it should. When this occurs fluid can start to collect in areas where it normally would flow away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The accumulation of fluid in the layers of lining in the lungs is one of the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure can cause pleural effusion. In addition, a person with congestive heart failure may also experience pleural effusion as a symptom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The immune system in the body does really incredible work. In fact, the work that it does often is not even noticed. Any pathogens <\/a>or other harmful items are dealt with by the body silently and quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, most of the time they are dealt with so quickly most of the time we do not even know that they were even there at all. However, the immune system is not invincible and at times infections may take hold. When this happens a person may experience a range of health complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the lungs are infected, things can become quite serious as the ability to breathe becomes compromised. When an infection occurs in the lungs, one outcome may be pleural effusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms such as dry cough, chest pain, and trouble breathing. A cough that lasts for more than a few days should be checked out by a doctor to determine the cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Kidney Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fluids are very important for the body. Without proper fluids, we would simply die. Fortunately, most of us are in a place where we have plenty of fluids available to us whenever we need them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, often many of the fluids that we drink will contain dangerous compounds. This includes toxins<\/a>. The good news is that our kidneys are great at removing these harmful toxins from the blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the kidneys are not working the way that they should be it may cause the accumulation of unwanted fluid throughout the bloodstream. These fluids may build up in different locations throughout the body, this includes the lining of the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this fluid builds up in the lungs it results in pleural effusion. There are many complications that may occur when the kidneys do not function properly. If an infection is suspected, antibiotics may be prescribed to help get the kidneys back up and running properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Autoimmune Disorders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Without our immune systems<\/a>, we would likely not survive very long. We need that effective line of defense against disease and infections, otherwise, our bodies can be easily taken over by illnesses, which can lead to our death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that we are typically in general good health even though we are constantly surrounded by dangers says something amazing about how well our immune system really works. The immune system functions pretty well most of the time, but it is not perfect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are times when our immune systems may start working against us. When this occurs the immune system may attack our own body. This includes accumulating fluids. When this occurs it is known as an autoimmune disorder. This is one of the more common causes of pleural effusion. People suffering from autoimmune disorders often experience pleural effusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cancer <\/a>causes abnormal growth of cells. When these cells start to grow, they can take over different areas of the body. Cancer can affect any type of cell and the effect that these abnormal cells have on the body can be devastating, oftentimes posing a threat to the patient\u2019s life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there have been many advancements in cancer treatments, many cases of cancer still result in fatality. Cancer may develop in the lungs and is a common cause of the pleural effusion. When this occurs it can be very difficult to treat. Often, surgery will be required and even if the cancer is removed successfully it can leave the person with breathing difficulties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the person may still experience effusion on a regular basis. Unfortunately, cancer can cause a host of health issues, some of which are never resolved even after the cancer is removed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Hypoalbuminemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to transporting oxygen<\/a>, nutrients, and necessary fluids throughout the body, the blood does a very good job. The blood vessels have to make sure that the nutrients and other fluids stay in the bloodstream until they reach the right location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many compounds and systems that allow for this to occur. One of the compounds that are used by the blood to transport nutrients is albumin. Albumin is made by the liver and helps to keep the osmotic pressure in the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This prevents fluids from leaking into other bodily tissues. When there is not enough albumin in the bloodstream it is called hypoalbuminemia. This condition can cause fluids to leak into the lining of the lungs, causing a person to experience pleural effusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A person suffering from this may find that they have difficulty breathing and they may need to have the fluid drained from the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Trauma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The body is made up of many delicate materials. This means that we can be easily injured if we are not careful. Bruises and cuts are quite common and typically heal fairly quickly on their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are some injuries that are quite severe and can become a danger to us if they are not treated properly. Some of the most precious organs of the body such as the lungs and the heart may experience trauma<\/a>, even though they are fairly well protected by the ribs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lungs are protected, but this does not mean that they cannot be damaged. They can be harmed by trauma in the area and this can lead to a number of complications. If the trauma causes fluids to be released internally, it can cause a person to experience pleural effusion. It can also cause a whole host of other health complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Pulmonary Embolism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The circulatory system of the body has many different networks that consist of valves, pumps, and tubes. These networks are what keep the blood flowing freely throughout the body to where it is needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order for this network to function properly, the tubes have to be open so that the blood can flow. When there is a blockage in the tubes the flow of blood through the body can be impeded. When this happens it can become quite dangerous very quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pulmonary embolism<\/a> is when there is a blockage of blood flow to the arteries of the lungs. This can lead to several very serious complications. One of the complications that may occur includes pleural effusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pulmonary embolism is very serious and for this reason, it is important to make sure that you go to the doctor right away if you are experiencing any symptom that could mean that your lungs are not getting enough blood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Pneumonia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pneumonia <\/a>is a severe lower respiratory infection affecting children and adults worldwide. More than 450-million people worldwide come down with pneumonia every year, and the disease is responsible for 1.4-million or more deaths each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pneumonia comes in two primary formats. The first is hospital-acquired pneumonia, and the second is community-acquired pneumonia. The COVID pandemic sweeping the world is responsible for causing a form of life-threatening pneumonia in some cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seniors are most at risk of dying from pneumonia infection. They don’t have the immune function necessary to fight the disease, and it’s one of the leading causes of death in the elderly. Seniors older than 80-years are at the highest risk of dying from a pneumonia infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pneumonia is also one of the known causes of pleural effusion. The irritation the infection causes to the pleural tissues causes a filling of fluid outside of the lungs. Since many pneumonia patients develop fluid in the lungs as well, this double-effect of fluid accumulation puts the patient in a life-threatening position. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Inflammatory Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation <\/a>is the leading cause of chronic disease. Inflammation is a broad term, and the way the media demonizes it, you would think it’s our sworn enemy. However, the reality is we need a small amount of inflammation to maintain metabolic processes. When the inflammation gets out of hand, that’s when it starts to cause health issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excessive systemic inflammation can also trigger autoimmune diseases in affected individuals. People dealing with Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of experiencing harsh attacks of the disease when inflammation spikes in the body. Medical science does not fully understand the mechanism of the autoimmune response. However, there is convincing research showing the link between inflammation and the start of an autoimmune response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some autoimmune diseases can cause the onset o0f pleural effusion, resulting in a life-threatening situation for the affected individual. If you feel tightness in your chest and shortness of breath, call the ambulance and get a shuttle to the emergency room as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Cirrhosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cirrhosis <\/a>is a medical term referring to a build-up of scar tissue in the liver. Alcoholics and people that abuse prescription medications experience elevations in liver enzymes. If they don’t take the precaution to reduce their lifestyle habits to normal levels, they run the risk of liver toxicity developing in the organ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liver toxicity and elevated liver enzymes lead to damage of liver tissue and scarring of the organ. If left untreated and unmanaged, liver cirrhosis can evolve into some life-threatening conditions. Complications with cirrhosis include sepsis of the organ and jaundice, a situation where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the liver starts to go into septic shock from liver disease, it creates dysfunction in other biological systems in the body\u2014Pleural Eeffusionis one of the complications associated with severe liver disease and septic shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice a pain in your right side and have shortness of breath, call for medical assistance immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Tuberculosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tuberculosis <\/a>is a chronic respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of tuberculosis-causing bacteria from other people. If you speak to a person with tuberculosis, the bacteria might transfer, driving the start of the infection. Typically, people with weak immune systems have the hardest time dealing with the effects of the bacteria. Tuberculosis is a leading complication causing death in people infected with HIV\/AIDs, especially in Africa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a patient to succumb to TB, they must have an extreme inoculum load of the bacteria causing the condition, and they also need a very weak immune system. Tuberculosis spreads rapidly throughout the lungs, causing inflammation and a deep cough in the infected individual. If they don’t seek medical assistance, the condition ends up being fatal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TB is one of the leading causes of pleural effusion. The lungs’ irritation caused by the disease results in the secretion of pleural fluid into the chest cavity, causing the onset of symptoms in affected individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Post-Op Recovery from Open Heart Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Each year, around 805,000 Americans experience a heart attack<\/a>. The experience is fatal in approximately 12% of cases, making heart attack one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Most people that experience a heart attack and survive are likely to experience another cardiac event within the next 5 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a heart attack occurs, its intensity and onset can vary from person to person. A mild heart attack might require some hospitalization and observation, but there’s no cause for the need for surgery in most cases. However, severe heart attack cases can leave the patient close to death.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A heart attack is also one of the leading causes of the development of pleural effusion. When the patient starts experiencing a heart attack, they might cause distress in the endothelial and pleural lings, causing the onset of pleural effusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All heart attacks require immediate hospitalizations and care. If you think you or a friend is experiencing a heart attack, call an ambulance and get checked out by a doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Asbestosis is an insulation material no longer used in commercial buildings or construction. It was a popular material in the 70s and 80s due to its excellent insulative properties. However, research on asbestos <\/a>shows that the material loses its integrity over time, resulting in small particles breaking off from the material.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These particles get into the air, and people breathe them in. When asbestos gets into your lugs, it’s impossible to get it out. Over-exposure to asbestos can result in fibrosis of the lungs and death. People who have asbestos poisoning might notice they start to experience the onset of pleural effusion in the latter stages of their condition. The irritation from the asbestos particles and the amount of coughing it causes severely inflames the pleural lining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the pleural cavity starts to fill with fluid. The affected individual notices the onset of pleural effusion and the progression of symptoms. Asbestos is now a banned building material and is no longer suited for use in any construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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