Is pulmonary effusion caused by tuberculosis serious?

Pleural effusion caused by pulmonary tuberculosis is a relatively serious condition. It usually indicates that Mycobacterium tuberculosis has involved the pleura, triggering tuberculous pleuritis and resulting in inflammatory exudation from the pleura, which leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, also known as pleural effusion. This fluid accumulation may affect the patient's respiratory function, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, and even hemoptysis. Regarding treatment, anti-tuberculosis therapy is generally required, along with appropriate management depending on the volume of effusion. Small amounts of pleural effusion may be naturally absorbed through anti-tuberculosis treatment alone, but moderate to large effusions usually require thoracentesis or pleural drainage to remove the accumulated fluid. The treatment process is typically lengthy, possibly lasting from 6 to 9 months, and can be quite taxing on the patient. Therefore, pleural effusion caused by pulmonary tuberculosis requires sufficient attention and timely medical intervention to ensure standardized treatment.