Best Pleural Effusion Doctors in Chennai

Pleural Effusion is a medical condition where fluid accumulates in the pleural space, which is the region between the lungs and the chest wall. The causes of this condition vary, with the most common being congestive heart failure, cancer, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, cirrhosis, tuberculosis, and autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. These cause an increased pressure or inflammation leading to fluid leak into the pleural space.

In Chennai, pleural effusions are often seen. The best doctors for pleural effusion treatment are available at Apollo Hospitals Chennai, with access to advanced diagnostics and treatment facilities.

Types/Stages of Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusions can be categorised into two primary types based on the composition of the fluid collected in the pleural space:

1. Transudative Pleural Effusion: Caused by systemic factors like heart failure or cirrhosis, leading to clear, low-protein fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

2. Exudative Pleural Effusion: Resulting from local inflammation or malignancy, this type involves cloudy, high-protein fluid in the pleural space.

3. Hemothorax: Characterised by the presence of blood in the pleural space, typically due to trauma or surgical complications.

4. Chylothorax: Involves the accumulation of lymphatic fluid (chyle) in the pleural space, often from trauma to the thoracic duct or malignancies.

5. Empyema: Accumulation of pus in the pleural space, commonly due to bacterial infections or lung abscesses.

Symptoms of Pleural Effusion

The symptoms of pleural effusion can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:

• Difficulty breathing (mild to severe)

• Sharp chest pain on exertion, coughing or deep breathing

• Dry-nonproductive cough (possible pleura inflammation or lung compression)

• Weakness and fatigue

• Elevated body temperature, fever

Tests to Diagnose Pleural Effusion

The doctors for pleural effusion treatment combine clinical evaluations, imaging tests, and fluid analysis such as:

• Physical Examination: Includes observations for chest pain and diminished breath sounds.

• Chest X-ray: This helps in visualising the fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Provides more detailed images of the chest and pleural space.

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualise the fluid and guide thoracentesis.

• Thoracentesis: It's a procedure where a fluid sample is collected for analysis, helping determine the cause and type of effusion.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pleural Effusion at Apollo Hospitals Chennai

Apollo Hospitals employs some of the best pleural effusion treatment doctors and pulmonologists who work in sync with a team of specialists for pulmonary effusion treatment to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The options include:

• Drainage: The removal of fluid through thoracentesis or chest tube insertion provides immediate relief from symptoms.

• Medication: Depending on the underlying cause medications such as antibiotics for infections, chemotherapy for cancer, and diuretics for heart failure are prescribed.

• Surgery: In certain cases, surgical procedures like pleurodesis or decortication may be necessary to remove the fluid and prevent recurrences.