Pleural Diseases

Pleural diseases refer to conditions affecting the pleura, the thin double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. The pleura has two layers:

• The visceral pleura, which covers the lungs
• The parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall

Between them is the pleural space, which normally contains a small amount of fluid to allow smooth lung movement during breathing. Disorders of the pleura can interfere with lung function and cause symptoms like chest pain and breathlessness. Top Doctor Pleural Disease Specialist in Byculla , Mumbai

Common Pleural Diseases:

1. Pleural Effusion

• Definition: Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
• Causes: Heart failure, pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, liver/kidney disease
• Symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dry cough
• Diagnosis: Chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and pleural fluid analysis (thoracentesis)
• Treatment: Depends on cause—may involve drainage of fluid, antibiotics, or treating underlying disease

2. Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

• Definition: Air enters the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse
• Causes: Trauma, ruptured lung cysts, lung disease, or spontaneously in healthy people
• Symptoms: Sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing
• Diagnosis: Chest X-ray or CT scan
• Treatment: Observation for small cases, chest tube insertion for larger ones, or surgery for recurrent cases

3. Pleural Thickening / Fibrosis

• Definition: Thickening or scarring of the pleura, often due to past inflammation or asbestos exposure
• Causes: Tuberculosis, asbestos, chronic infections
• Symptoms: Often minimal, but can include reduced lung expansion and mild breathlessness
• Treatment: Usually supportive; monitoring for any restrictive lung disease

4. Empyema

• Definition: Pus collection in the pleural space due to infection
• Common after: Complicated pneumonia or chest surgery
• Symptoms: Fever, chest pain, breathlessness, cough
• Diagnosis: Imaging and pleural fluid analysis
• Treatment: Urgent drainage (chest tube or surgery) and antibiotics

5. Pleural Tumors

• Includes: Benign or malignant tumors (like mesothelioma, often linked to asbestos)
• Symptoms: Persistent chest pain, pleural effusion, weight loss
• Diagnosis: Imaging, pleural biopsy
• Treatment: Depends on type—may include surgery, chemotherapy, or palliative care

Management Approach:

• Treat underlying cause (e.g., infection, cancer, heart failure)
• Drain fluid or air if needed
• Prevent recurrence (e.g., pleurodesis in recurrent effusions or pneumothorax)