Best Pleural Effusion Doctors in Lucknow

Types/Stages of Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusions can typically be classified into two major types:

• Transudative Effusion: This type is characterised by a clear, watery fluid similar to the normal fluid in the pleural space. It is frequently caused by conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or pulmonary embolism.

• Exudative Effusion: Unlike transudative effusion, this type involves a thick, protein-rich fluid usually stemming from infections, cancer, or inflammatory conditions.

The stages of pleural effusions are categorised as follows:

• Minimal or Small Pleural Effusion: A small volume of fluid between the pleural layers causing slight discomfort or pain.

• Moderate Pleural Effusion: Accumulation of fluid of moderate extent leading to symptoms such as breathlessness and diminished breath sounds.

• Large or Massive Pleural Effusion: Extensive fluid buildup compresses the lungs severely, resulting in significant breathlessness and dullness upon percussion.

• Complicated Pleural Effusion: Effusion complicated by infection, bleeding, or presence of pus, manifesting systemic symptoms.

Symptoms of Pleural Effusion

Common signs that might indicate a case of pleural effusion include:

• Dyspnoea, difficulty or discomfort in breathing

• Chest pain that increases with movement, coughing or deep breathing

• Dry cough that may indicate inflammation in the pleura or compression in the lung

• Fatigue, general weakness or exhaustion

• Fever that could signify an infection

Tests to Diagnose Pleural Effusion

To diagnose this condition, pleural effusion treatment doctors at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow utilise a combination of clinical evaluations and imaging tests:

• Physical Examination: This involves checking for chest pain, dullness on percussion, and diminished breath sounds.

• Chest X-ray: Helps visualise any fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

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

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

• Thoracentesis: Involves collecting a fluid sample from the pleural space for analysis.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pleural Effusion at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow

At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, various treatment options are available for managing pleural effusion:

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

• Medications: Depending on the underlying cause, antibiotics for infections, chemotherapy for cancer or diuretics for heart failure might be prescribed.

• Surgery: If required, procedures like pleurodesis or decortication can be performed by specialist pleural effusion surgeons to remove the fluid and prevent recurrence.