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Pleural effusion history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jacquelyne DiTroia Anthony Gallo, B.S. [2] Prince Tano Djan, BSc, MBChB [3]

Overview

Overview

Common symptoms of pleural effusion include chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath.[1]

History and Symptoms

History and Symptoms

Pleural effusion is typically diagnosed on the basis of a family history and a physical exam, and it is confirmed by a chest X-ray.

Pleural effusion can often be asymptomatic, however the most common symptoms are as follows:[1]

References

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Dunphy L, Shetty P, Kavidasan A, Rice A (2016). “Unusual cause of chest pain: empyema necessitans and tubercular osteomyelitis of the rib in an immunocompetent man”. BMJ Case Rep. 2016. doi:10.1136/bcr-2015-212311. PMID 26729824.

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