My Dad's sonography tells that he has moderate left pleural effusion, what does that mean and what should we do now?

Question

Thank you for the query.
Plerura or pleural space, is a sac like covering around our lung. It is a potential space and air, fluid and blood can collect in it. Pleural effusion implies that there is collection of fluid in the pleural space. When there is a collection in this space, the normal function of the lung (gaseous exchange) may be hampered. It would have been helpful if you would have mentioned your father's age, and whether he is suffering from any comorbidities, also whether he has any addictions (like smoking). The commonest cause of pleural effusion is infection (usually bacterial). Other causes may be tuberculosis, mitosis or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Liver disease, kidney problems and cardiac failure also causes pleural effusion, but they mostly bilateral (both sided). It is advisable that you visit a physician or chest specialist. A chest x-ray will be needed. Some blood tests like complete haemogram will be needed, and analysis of the pleural fluid may be done. Regards.

Ayusmati Thakur · Accepted Answer

Thank you for the query.
Plerura or pleural space, is a sac like covering around our lung. It is a potential space and air, fluid and blood can collect in it. Pleural effusion implies that there is collection of fluid in the pleural space. When there is a collection in this space, the normal function of the lung (gaseous exchange) may be hampered. It would have been helpful if you would have mentioned your father's age, and whether he is suffering from any comorbidities, also whether he has any addictions (like smoking). The commonest cause of pleural effusion is infection (usually bacterial). Other causes may be tuberculosis, mitosis or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Liver disease, kidney problems and cardiac failure also causes pleural effusion, but they mostly bilateral (both sided). It is advisable that you visit a physician or chest specialist. A chest x-ray will be needed. Some blood tests like complete haemogram will be needed, and analysis of the pleural fluid may be done. Regards.