Pleural effusions, sometimes known as water on the lungs, is the accumulation of fluid within the lining of the pleura between the lower lungs and the adjacent chest wall.
The pleura are small hollow, fluid-filled sacs that surround the inner walls of the lungs and act to facilitate and lubricate breathing.
In most cases, this excessive fluid will stop flowing and cause a cough or wheezing sensation. This condition is usually temporary but can be chronic with pain and swelling of the area. When the fluids build up, a fluid filled sac called the interstitium, will bulge out and can press against the lung.
Once the pressure on the pleural wall causes pain, there may also be fluid in the throat. Sometimes, there are no symptoms and it is difficult to diagnose a case of pleural effusion until you have had surgery to remove a portion of the lung. However, it is important to note that when the body is not producing mucus, a patient can get very sick and even die. In rare cases, if not treated, it can cause pneumonia. Therefore, the sooner you take steps to correct the problem, the better your chances will be of getting rid of it and staying healthy.
Although the treatment for pleural effusions is aimed at removing the excess fluid, the goal of treatment is to prevent it from returning by tightening the surrounding tissues. There are many ways to achieve this, including medication, diet, exercise and prevention. Here are some tips for how to prevent a recurrence.
Lifestyle Changes. Some people find that taking vitamins such as Vitamin A helps reduce the effects of pleural effusions. Others find relief by making changes in their diets. Drinking more water, drinking green tea and eating foods rich in antioxidants help to prevent the build up of mucus and promote healing.
Exercise. There are many exercises that can strengthen the muscles around the body and help to keep the pleura from collapsing and pressing against the lung. By doing these exercises, they can help to prevent an obstruction in the airway.
Medication.
Some doctors recommend a medication that can help to reduce the effects of pleural effusion. There are a variety of medications that are available and each may work differently in some patients. It is important to discuss this option with your doctor.
Treatment is often focused on relieving symptoms and preventing further complications. It is important to keep trying and monitoring your progress. If your condition does not improve in a short period of time, you may want to see a physician who can discuss more aggressive treatment options.
It is important to talk with your doctor before starting any treatment. They will be able to provide you with the information that you need to make informed decisions about your condition and your treatment options.
Some patients have successfully completed pleural effusion without surgery. Some have even come out much better than they started after the surgery, when compared to before the surgery.
A proper diet is always key when trying to prevent or stop a recurrence of pleural effusion. It is important to avoid foods high in sodium, as well as those high in saturated fat, which will cause the body to retain fluids and also the increase the chances of causing more mucus and thus more mucus production.
A proper diet should include a lot of fruits and vegetables, protein, and low-fat dairy products. You may find that drinking plenty of water helps, too.
Try to stay hydrated. This can help you avoid fluid retention and allow for a more effective healing process. Drinking plenty of water can also prevent future mucus build up, so try to drink at least 8 glasses each day to help prevent further complications.
Taking certain medications should also be a consideration. While this is not recommended for everyone, it can help to reduce the chances of further complications if it is prescribed.
Pleural effusion is a very treatable disease. With the right treatment and prevention measures, many people can enjoy a healthy life again. If you find yourself in this situation, there are many doctors and treatments that can help you get back to a normal and healthy state.