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Parapneumonic pleural effusion

Pleural effusion - pneumonia

 

Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the pleural space. The pleural space is the area between the layers of the tissue lining the lung and the chest cavity.

With parapneumonic pleural effusion, the fluid buildup is caused  pneumonia .

Causes

 

Pneumonia, most commonly from bacteria, causes parapneumonic pleural effusion.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms can include any of the following:

  • Chest pain, usually a sharp pain that is worse with cough or deep breaths
  • Cough with sputum
  • Fever
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shortness of breath

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. The provider will also listen to your lungs with a stethoscope and tap (percuss) your chest and upper back.

The following tests may help to confirm a diagnosis:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) blood test
  • Chest CT scan
  • Chest x-ray
  • Thoracentesis (a sample of fluid is removed with a needle inserted between the ribs)
  • Ultrasound of the chest and heart

 

Treatment

 

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat the pneumonia.

If the person has shortness of breath, thoracentesis might be used to drain the fluid. If better drainage of the fluid is needed due to more severe infection, a drain tube can be inserted.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

This condition improves when the pneumonia improves.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Lung damage
  • Infection that turns into an abscess, called an empyema , which will need to be drained with a chest tube
  • Collapsed lung ( pneumothorax ) after thoracentesis

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have symptoms of pleural effusion.

Call your provider or go to the emergency room if shortness of breath or difficulty breathing occurs right after thoracentesis.

 

 

References

Nicks BA, Manthey DE. Pleural effusion. In: Adams JG, ed. Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials . 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 52.

Septimus EJ. Pleural effusion and empyema. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 70.

 
  • Respiratory system - illustration

    Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

    Respiratory system

    illustration

    • Respiratory system - illustration

      Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

      Respiratory system

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Tests for Parapneumonic pleural effusion

       

         

        Review Date: 8/21/2016

        Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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