Causes of Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is basically a secondary illness. This means that certain medical conditions would cause the liquid to build up excessively and trigger symptoms. Several common causes of pleural effusion include:
– Congestive heart failure: When the heart fails to pump blood, as usual, it would cause the liquid to build up in the chest.
– Kidney or liver disease: These conditions would lead to an accumulation of fluid in the body, which subsequently leaks into the chest area.
– Respiratory infections: Pneumonia and tuberculosis would cause fluid buildup in the lungs.
– Autoimmune disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus would affect the lungs and lead to many pleura issues.
– Pulmonary embolism: When a blood clot blocks arteries in the lung, it would cause the liquid to build up excessively in the pleura.
– Cancer: Any forms of cancer, especially lung cancer, would increase the risk of pleural effusion.[3]
