Warning Signs Of Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion occurs when excess fluid builds up between the pleural layers outside the lungs. These thin membranes line the inside of an individual's chest cavity and the lungs. They help with lubrication and facilitation of breathing. Under normal circumstances, there is only a small amount of fluid present in the pleural layers. The condition varies in seriousness depending on the cause, whether a patient's breathing is affected, and whether it's treatable. The condition can be controlled or treated when it's caused by heart failure, pneumonia, or a virus. Treatment should generally involve the underlying cause and any associated mechanical problems.