Best Pleural Effusion Doctors in Mumbai

Pleural effusion is a medical condition where an abnormal amount of fluid accumulates between the layers of the pleura, the thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest wall. This excess fluid exerts pressure on the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and other discomforts. The causes behind this disease are numerous, ranging from pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and cancer to various other systemic diseases. The diversity and severity of these root causes can significantly determine the course and prognosis of pleural effusion.

In Mumbai, the incidence of pleural effusion is significant, which can be attributed to environmental and lifestyle-related factors. However, residents can take comfort in the fact that Apollo Hospitals Mumbai host some of the best pleural effusion doctors in the country. These top-rated, experienced professionals, with the availability of competent pleural fluid specialists, individuals receive timely diagnosis and the best-in-class treatment for the condition.

Types/Stages of Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is mainly categorised into two types:

• Transudative Pleural Effusion: Typically caused by systemic conditions like heart failure or liver cirrhosis, resulting in fluid accumulation with low protein content in the pleural space.

• Exudative Pleural Effusion: Due to local factors such as infections, malignancies, or pulmonary embolism, leading to pleural fluid rich in protein and cells, indicating inflammation or disease.

• Hemothorax: Occurs when blood accumulates in the pleural cavity due to trauma or injury, necessitating urgent medical attention.

• Chylothorax: Results from leakage of chyle (lymphatic fluid) into the pleural space, often due to thoracic duct injury or obstruction, characterized by milky fluid with high triglyceride content.

• Empyema: Caused by bacterial infections in the pleural space, leading to pus accumulation, requiring drainage and antibiotic treatment to resolve the infection.

Symptoms of Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion can often be asymptomatic, but when symptoms do manifest, they generally include:

• A persistent cough

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Sharp chest pain, especially during deep breaths

• Fever and flu-like symptoms

• Persistent hiccups

Tests to Diagnose Pleural Effusion

At Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai, a combination of tests are conducted for the accurate diagnosis of pleural effusion, such as:

• Physical examination: The pleural fluid treatment doctors thoroughly assess symptoms and overall health conditions.

• Chest x-ray: To visualise the fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.

• Ultrasonography: Uses sound waves to create images of the chest, providing a detailed view of the fluid and underlying conditions.

• CT scan: For a detailed view of the chest area to help determine the cause of the effusion.

• Thoracentesis: This involves extracting fluid from the chest cavity for laboratory analysis.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pleural Effusion at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai

The best doctors for pleural effusion at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai offer a range of advanced treatment options depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. These include:

• Tube thoracostomy: A chest tube is inserted into the pleural space to remove fluid and air. 

• Pleurodesis: A treatment where an irritating substance is injected into the pleural space, causing the pleura layers to stick together, preventing future effusions.

• Thoracentesis: The pleural fluid surgeon can drain the fluid buildup through a small incision using a needle and catheter.

• Pleural decortication: A surgical procedure to remove inflamed tissue and restore normal lung function.

• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): Minimally invasive surgery using a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions in the chest to visualize and treat pleural effusions, including drainage and pleurodesis.