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Pleural Effusion

The pulmonologists at Hattiesburg Clinic offer expertise in treating pleural effusion.
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Pleural Effusion Overview

Pleural effusion is a common medical condition affecting 1.5 million Americans each year. It occurs when an abnormal accumulation of fluid builds up in the thin protective tissues (pleura) surrounding the lungs within the chest cavity. Normally, a small amount of fluid exists to lubricate these tissues, allowing your lungs to expand comfortably as you breathe. But, many underlying factors can disrupt this balance, leading to significant health challenges.

Understanding the causes, symptoms and effective treatments for pleural effusion is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, ensuring optimal respiratory health and quality of life. The board-certified pulmonologists at Hattiesburg Clinic are dedicated to providing expert care for patients suffering from pleural effusion.

Symptoms of Pleural Effusion

Often, you may not know you have pleural effusion until it is a more moderate to serious case. Symptoms can include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain with deep breaths
  • Fever, if pleural effusion is caused by infection
  • Cough

What causes pleural effusion?

  • Infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
  • Lung cancer
  • Leaking of blood or other fluid from congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease
  • Pulmonary embolism, the blocking of an artery in your lungs which can lead to excessive fluid

How does Hattiesburg Clinic diagnose pleural effusion?

In addition to X-ray and CT imaging, Hattiesburg Clinic’s team of pulmonologists offers in-office ultrasound and thoracentesis to help diagnose and treat pleural effusion. Our pulmonologists will use a needle to not only remove the excess fluid but then test it to find the underlying cause of the pleural effusion. Often performed on an outpatient basis, thoracentesis provides rapid relief by alleviating pressure on the lungs, thereby improving breathing and overall comfort.

Pleural Effusion Treatment

While a thoracentesis can help remove fluid and provide immediate relief, Hattiesburg Clinic’s pulmonology team focuses on treating the underlying condition to keep fluid from collecting again. This comprehensive treatment strategy may involve the use of antibiotics for infections, steroids to manage inflammation or other medications tailored to the specific cause identified through diagnostic tests.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Hattiesburg Clinic’s pulmonologists are skilled and highly experienced in treating pleural effusion and other lung conditions. We offer the most advanced technology for the treatment of lung conditions. Call us today to schedule your appointment with our team.

Locations

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Pulmonary Medicine
Hattiesburg, MS
Pulmonary Medicine
Hattiesburg Clinic - Main
415 S. 28th Ave.
6th Floor
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
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(601) 268-5650
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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