Essential Information on Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

6. Thoracentesis

There are multiple ways for your physician to diagnose your condition, from a physical examination to X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds. In most cases, your doctor will assess not only the liquid in the lungs but also the underlying condition that caused the leak. For example, antibiotics can treat pneumonia, whereas diuretics can help with congestive heart failure.

If the pleural effusion is large enough, your doctor will need to remove it by a procedure called thoracentesis. Not only will this ease your symptoms, but it will allow your doctor to test the fluid for further diagnosis and treatment. Rarely, thoracentesis will be performed for direct administration of a specific medication.