Pleural Effusions
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First things first. The pleural is a 2 layered membrane that surrounds the lungs. Pleural effusion is fluid in this space. This can be either exudative or transudative. Causes for this phenomenon include: Cancer, High BP, TB, pneumonia, trauma, PE, SLE etc
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Pleural effusions often cause no symptoms. Symptoms are more likely when a pleural effusion is moderate or large-sized, or if inflammation is present. Symptoms of pleural effusions may include:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain, especially on breathing in deeply (pleurisy, or pleuritic pain)
Fever
Cough
Because pleural effusions are usually caused by underlying medical conditions, symptoms of these conditions are also often present.
Pulmonary Oedema
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Pulmonary oedema occurs when the alveolar beds get engorged in the lungs. As compared to pleural effusion, where there is a nice pool of fluid pushing on your lung tissue, this time around, you have fluid IN your lung tissue. All over it. Diffusely. Well, mainly in the lower lobes though due to gravity.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
peripheral edema
difficulty breathing, but may also include coughing up blood (classically seen as pink, frothy sputum),
excessive sweating,
anxiety, and pale skin.
Shortness of breath can manifest as orthopnea
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