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What Does Pleural Effusion In Chest X Ray Indicate?
Question: I am 62 years old and a smoker. Since the past 4 months, i feel breathless when i exert myself slightly.
A recent chest X-ray shows "right minimal pleural effusion". I have been asked to consult a pulmonologist.
My weight is 65 kg and i do not show any sign of weight loss. I take medication for hypertension and am non-diabetic.
Should i be worried?
A recent chest X-ray shows "right minimal pleural effusion". I have been asked to consult a pulmonologist.
My weight is 65 kg and i do not show any sign of weight loss. I take medication for hypertension and am non-diabetic.
Should i be worried?
Brief Answer:
Please consult pulmonologist for cause of effusion
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
A pleural effusion on chest X ray can mean about 150 - 200 ml of fluid collected in the chest cavity. This is important to be treated by a pulmonologist. Causes of pleural effusion can be infection, heart disease, fluid overload and many other reasons. I suggest you please consult a pulmonologist and then get examined clinically.
Not having weight loss excludes and serious chronic illness but you must get evaluated in detail and the reason for the pleural effusion must be found anf treated on time.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please consult pulmonologist for cause of effusion
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
A pleural effusion on chest X ray can mean about 150 - 200 ml of fluid collected in the chest cavity. This is important to be treated by a pulmonologist. Causes of pleural effusion can be infection, heart disease, fluid overload and many other reasons. I suggest you please consult a pulmonologist and then get examined clinically.
Not having weight loss excludes and serious chronic illness but you must get evaluated in detail and the reason for the pleural effusion must be found anf treated on time.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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