What is pleural effusion?

Pleural effusion is the presence of fluid collecting in the pleural space of the lungs. A thin layer of fluid is always present in this space for lubrication and ease of movement of the lung during inspiration and expiration but when too much is produced or not enough absorbed effusion results.

How do members experience pleural effusion?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with pleural effusion*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for pleural effusion*

Who has pleural effusion on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 1
20s 3
30s 8
40s 24
50s 18
60s 35
70+ 24

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 31
Female 81