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No cause found for persistent pleural effusions
Lung Health | Last Active: Jan 2, 2023 | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
Hello @cindyconstien,
In a pleural fluid analysis or thoracentesis, your doctor will remove fluid from the pleural membrane area by inserting a needle into the chest cavity and suctioning the fluid into a syringe. The fluid will then be tested to determine the cause.
Pleurodesis, is a treatment that creates mild inflammation between the lung and chest cavity pleura. After drawing the excess fluid out of the chest cavity, a a talc mixture is injected into the area which causes the two layers of the pleura to stick together, which prevents the future buildup of fluid between them. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pleurisy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351866
You might also be interested in this conversation where @blueot and @lisakuehl have written about pleural effusion: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pleurisy/
Replies to "Hello @cindyconstien, In a pleural fluid analysis or thoracentesis, your doctor will remove fluid from the..."
Hi, your Dr can put a pleurex which can be drain daily depending on how much fluid is there. Home health can assist with this.
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Am coordinating my 8th thoracentesis now. Had bi lateral pleurodesis in April. No cause found, no relief on right side from pleurodesis. Has anyone heard of a C PAP connection? I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2013, in fall of 2014 a chest x-ray showed a pleural effusion for the first time and has steadily worsened. I recall no other change in life style.