What Is Pleural Effusion?
7. Complications
In addition to the symptoms mentioned, pleural effusion will also sometimes go on to cause potentially serious complications. One of these is an empyema, which is a type of abscess in the pleural cavity. Another potential complication is pneumothorax, which means excess air is in the chest cavity after the excess fluid has been drained away.
Pleural effusions will also sometimes result in physical damage to the lungs. This might then also lead to pleural thickening, which is when the lung’s lining has become scarred. This is a condition that cannot be cured and can lead to chronic breathing difficulties for the patient.
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