Causes
Effusion is usually caused by disease or injury. The two types have different causes:
Causes of Transudative Effusion
- Heart failure
- Malnutrition
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- A large shift in body fluids, such as during childbirth
- Presence of a tumor
Causes of Exudative Effusion
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia and other lung infections
- Cancer, especially of the lung , breast , or lymph system
- Rheumatic disease, such as sarcoidosis
- Drug reactions
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of getting pleural effusion include:
- Pneumonia, tuberculosis, or other lung diseases
- Heart attack , heart failure, or infections such as pericarditis , recent cardiac surgery
- Inflammation or infection of the pleura
- Liver disease
- Tumors
- Pregnancy, recent delivery
- Connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Certain medications:
- Cancers, such as lung, breast, lymphoma, or mesothelioma
- Chest injury or trauma
- Radiation therapy
- Pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lungs)
- Abdominal infections or pancreatitis
-
Surgery, especially involving
- Heart
- Lungs
- Abdomen
- Organ transplantation
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
More Pleural Effusion Information
Improved
620 HealthChanged
293 LivesSaved
210 LivesPopular this Week
Connect with Women Like You 10 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
