Best Pleural Effusion Doctors in Hyderabad

Pleural effusion is a medical condition where excess fluid accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and chest wall. This typically occurs due to increased pressure from conditions like congestive heart failure or due to malignancies, infections, blood clots in the lungs or certain autoimmune conditions. Individuals with these underlying conditions are more susceptible to developing pleural effusion.

Hyderabad has seen many pleural effusion cases. Apollo Hospitals is known for having some of the best doctors for pleural effusion intervention as well as skilled pulmonologists delivering top-notch care to alleviate patients' sufferings.

Types/Stages of Pleural Effusion

Doctors for pleural effusion treatment classify its types based on the nature and cause of the fluid:

1. Transudative Pleural Effusion: Systemic conditions like heart failure or cirrhosis can cause the pleural space to fill with clear, low-protein fluid.

2. Exudative Pleural Effusion: Local issues such as inflammation or cancer lead to the build-up of cloudy, high-protein fluid in the pleural cavity.

3. Hemothorax: Blood accumulates in the pleural space, usually due to injury or surgical complications.

4. Chylothorax: Lymphatic fluid or chyle, gathers in the pleural space, often as a result of trauma to the thoracic duct or malignancies.

5. Empyema: Pus collects in the pleural space, typically due to bacterial infections or a lung abscess.

Symptoms of Pleural Effusion

The Symptoms associated with Pleural Effusion include:

• Dyspnoea or difficulty breathing that could range from mild discomfort to severe hindrance.

• Chest pain that worsens with movement, coughing or deep breathing.

• A nonproductive or dry cough indicating pleural inflammation or lung compression.

• Fatigue or generalised weakness and exhaustion.

• Fever or elevated body temperature hinting at possible infection.

Tests to Diagnose Pleural Effusion

Several test procedures assist doctors in diagnosing pleural effusion, such as:

• Physical Examination: This may reveal chest pain, dullness on percussion, and diminished breath sounds.

• Chest X-ray: This imaging test can show the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.

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

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

• Thoracentesis: A procedure for collecting a sample of the fluid for further analysis.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pleural Effusion at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad

Several treatment options are available at the Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad:

• Drainage: This involves removing the fluid through thoracentesis or chest tube insertion, providing immediate relief from symptoms.

• Medications: Doctors treating pleural disorders may prescribe medications for the underlying cause of pleural effusion such as antibiotics for infections, chemotherapy for cancer, and diuretics for heart failure.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures like pleurodesis or decortication may be necessary. Pleurodesis creates a chemical or mechanical barrier between the pleura to prevent fluid accumulation. Decortication is a surgical procedure to remove the thickened pleura and restore lung function.