Pleural effusion is the collection of fluid between the two layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and act to lubricate and facilitate breathing. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleura.
Pleural Effusion occurs due to many causes. In general, these causes are separated based on the protein contents of the fluid into “Transudative” low protein, non-inflammatory fluid; versus “Exudative” protein rich, inflammatory fluid.
Some of the symptoms of pleural effusion are shortness of breath, cough, chest pain among others.
At TruDoc Medical we perform in office Lung Ultrasound to see if the patient has pleural effusion. We collect information to decide if a thoracentesis is required.