Pleural Effusion Detection

Pleural effusion is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. Detecting it typically involves physical examination, where a doctor listens for abnormal lung sounds. Imaging tests like chest X-rays or ultrasounds are then used to identify and assess the fluid's presence. In some cases, a procedure called thoracentesis may be performed to remove fluid for testing, helping determine the cause of the effusion. Timely detection is important as it can indicate underlying health issues, like infection or heart failure.