How is pleural effusion in the elderly best treated?

Generally speaking, there is no definitive "best" treatment for pulmonary effusion (fluid accumulation in the lungs) in elderly individuals. Pulmonary effusion in the elderly may be caused by positional pulmonary edema, high-altitude exposure, pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart failure, or other reasons. When the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek care at a正规 medical facility and receive treatment under a doctor's guidance through general supportive measures, medications, and other appropriate methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Positional Pulmonary Edema

In elderly individuals, weakened muscle strength combined with prolonged bed rest or inactivity can slow circulation, particularly obstructing venous return from the lower limbs. This may lead to fluid accumulation in the interstitial tissues of the lungs, resulting in pulmonary effusion. Regular changes in body position and encouragement of moderate physical activity are important to promote blood circulation.

2. High-Altitude Exposure

Elderly individuals traveling to high-altitude regions may experience low oxygen levels due to thin air, which can increase pulmonary artery pressure and trigger pulmonary effusion. In such cases, it is recommended to follow medical advice for oxygen supplementation and to relocate to lower altitudes.

3. Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by infections or poor environmental conditions. The inflammatory response from lung infection may increase the permeability of alveolar capillaries, allowing fluid to leak from blood vessels into the alveoli and lung interstitium, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. This condition is often accompanied by high fever, cough, and other symptoms. Patients should take medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, levofloxacin tablets, and sustained-release aminophylline tablets as prescribed by their physician.

4. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis may result from infectious exposure or weakened immunity, causing lung inflammation that damages the barrier between alveoli and blood vessels, increasing vascular permeability and allowing fluid to leak into the alveoli and interstitial spaces, forming pulmonary effusion. Common accompanying symptoms include night sweats and cough. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as isoniazid tablets, ethambutol tablets, and rifampicin capsules to improve their condition.

5. Heart Failure

Heart failure may be associated with genetic factors, excessive fatigue, or other causes. In heart failure, the kidneys excrete less sodium and water, leading to fluid retention in the body. This increases hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries, triggering pulmonary effusion in the elderly. Symptoms may include frequent coughing and difficulty breathing. Patients should take medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, captopril tablets, and valsartan capsules as directed by their physician to alleviate symptoms.

Elderly individuals should engage in moderate exercise, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and strengthen their immune system in daily life to help prevent the development of pulmonary effusion.