Why is there fluid accumulation in the lungs?
Disease description:
My family member feels chest tightness and shortness of breath. After going to the hospital, they were found to have pulmonary effusion. Could you please explain what causes pulmonary effusion?
Pleural effusion, medically known as accumulation of fluid around the lungs, refers to the buildup of fluid outside the lungs. Its main causes include:
1. Infection and inflammation: Such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, which may cause inflammation of the pleura and subsequently lead to pleural effusion.
2. Autoimmune diseases: For example, systemic lupus erythematosus, which can damage lung tissues and result in fluid accumulation outside the lungs.
3. Heart problems: Particularly left-sided heart failure, which increases pressure in the pulmonary veins, obstructs blood return, and forces fluid to leak into the tissue spaces of the lungs, causing pulmonary edema.
4. Other factors: Such as pulmonary hypertension, systemic hypertension, liver disease, and kidney failure may also contribute to pleural effusion.
The development of pleural effusion results from the combined effects of multiple factors. Prompt medical evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.