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What is a pleural effusion?

Posted by horiconmarshgal @horiconmarshgal, Nov 14, 2023

Does a pleural effusion cause you to cough up blood & gag? Woke out of sound sleep with SOB & gagging till I threw up pink foamy stuff. Just wondering.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Nov 14, 2023

Good morning. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect

A pleural effusion is a fluid buildup between the tissue layers that line the lungs and chest cavity. Your body produces pleural fluid that surrounds the pleura. The pleura are thin tissues containing this fluid that surround the lungs and inside of the chest cavity.

There are two kinds:
There are two types of pleural effusion: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/pleural-effusion#:~:text=A%20pleural%20effusion%20is%20a,the%20lungs%20and%20chest%20cavity.

Transudative pleural effusion is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space. This is from increased pressure in the blood vessels or a low blood protein count. Heart failure is the most common cause.
Exudative effusion is caused by blocked blood vessels or lymph vessels, inflammation, infection, lung injury, or tumors.

I suggest that you call your doctor so that you can be treated. Your symptoms are consistent with pleural effusion but that doesn't mean that is what caused your coughing up blood.

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horiconmarshgal | @horiconmarshgal | Nov 14, 2023
In reply to @merpreb "Good morning. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect A pleural effusion is a fluid buildup between the..." + (show)
@merpreb

Good morning. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect

A pleural effusion is a fluid buildup between the tissue layers that line the lungs and chest cavity. Your body produces pleural fluid that surrounds the pleura. The pleura are thin tissues containing this fluid that surround the lungs and inside of the chest cavity.

There are two kinds:
There are two types of pleural effusion: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/pleural-effusion#:~:text=A%20pleural%20effusion%20is%20a,the%20lungs%20and%20chest%20cavity.

Transudative pleural effusion is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space. This is from increased pressure in the blood vessels or a low blood protein count. Heart failure is the most common cause.
Exudative effusion is caused by blocked blood vessels or lymph vessels, inflammation, infection, lung injury, or tumors.

I suggest that you call your doctor so that you can be treated. Your symptoms are consistent with pleural effusion but that doesn't mean that is what caused your coughing up blood.

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Thanks for the info. Will for sure bring it up w/her. We are just starting this journey as of this afternoon. Want to be as informed as I can be. Take care.

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