What should be done for an elderly person with heart failure and pleural effusion?
Apr 07, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
For elderly patients with heart failure and pleural effusion, common treatment approaches generally include general care, medication, and drainage. The main drugs used are diuretics and vasodilators. For example, under a doctor's guidance, spironolactone tablets or deslanoside tablets may be prescribed. In daily life, it is important to get proper rest, avoid adjusting medications on one's own, and strictly follow the doctor's instructions for regular hospital check-ups and related tests.
Generally, in elderly patients with heart failure and pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the chest cavity), management can include general supportive care, medication, and drainage procedures. Specific approaches are as follows:
1. General Treatment
After the onset of heart failure, patients should go to the hospital for relevant tests and evaluations to receive appropriate treatment and prevent worsening of heart failure symptoms. In many cases, the fluid accumulation may resolve on its own.
2. Medication
If pleural effusion is caused by heart failure, medications are typically needed under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms. The main types of drugs used are diuretics and vasodilators. For example, spironolactone tablets or deslanoside tablets may be prescribed as directed by a physician.
3. Drainage Procedure
When significant fluid accumulation causes clinical symptoms such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing, a closed pleural drainage procedure at the hospital is usually required to alleviate these symptoms.
In addition, thoracentesis (removal of fluid via needle insertion into the pleural space) may also be performed under medical supervision. It is recommended that elderly patients ensure adequate rest, avoid adjusting medications on their own, strictly follow medical advice, regularly undergo hospital check-ups, and receive timely symptomatic treatment.
