5. Treatments of Pleural Effusion
The treatment of pleural effusion is often dependent on the underlying causes. If the underlying cause is an infection, the virus may need to run its course. There are numerous things that can cause pleural effusion and there are just as many treatment options. In most cases, the treatment will be focused on the underlying cause. Once it is treated, the symptoms of pleural effusion should subside within a few days.
If the cause of the condition is not something that can be treated or cured, the treatment may focus only on the symptoms. Most treatments focus on reducing the fluid in the chest and preventing more from building up. Other treatments focus on pain relief, fever reduction, and cough suppression. Oral medications are the most common treatment used, but radiation therapy and surgery may also be necessary. If other treatments don’t work, tubes may be inserted into the lungs to drain the fluid.