Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pleural effusion history and symptoms
Introduction
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]
- Chest pain, usually a sharp pain that is worse with cough or deep breaths
- Cough
- Fever
- Hiccups
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Dyspnea
- Orthopnea
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Anorexia
References
References
- ↑ 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.
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]