Left pleural effusion is a development of excessive fluid in the left side of the pleural cavity, the space that surrounds the lungs. It can be the result of a number of medical problems and requires medical treatment. Patients may need to be hospitalized, depending on the cause, and will definitely need treatment and follow-up care to ensure conditions in the chest improve.
In healthy individuals, the pleural space is naturally filled with a small amount of lubricating fluid. This space creates room for the lungs to expand and also prevents them from collapsing when people exhale. People with left pleural effusion have more fluid than normal in the left side of this space. They tend to have trouble breathing and can develop symptoms such as wheezing, cyanosis, and chest discomfort. Cracking and rubbing sounds are usually heard inside the chest as well.
A variety of fluids may be involved in left pleural effusion, including blood, pus from infections, lymph, and serous fluids. Fluid buildup can be the result of a chronic condition such as congestive heart failure and can also be associated with acute infection, trauma, cancer, and respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis. Sometimes the onset is very rapid, while in other patients the fluid can build up slowly over time, increasing pressure on the lung and making it increasingly difficult to breathe comfortably.
Needles can be inserted to rapidly drain the pleural cavity. A doctor may also place drains or a drainage device to allow fluid to continue to flow while the patient is being treated. These devices are designed to allow fluid to escape without allowing backflow of fluid or air, which could be dangerous to the patient. With left pleural effusion, the drain can be placed in various places along the chest wall, and is meant to fit between the ribs.
Part of the treatment for left pleural effusion includes monitoring, which may include tests of fluids drained from the pleural space to see when fluid production decreases and to look for traces of malignant cells or infectious organisms. The patient's lungs will be listened to, and medical imaging studies may be required to look for fluid around the lungs. A simple x-ray is often enough to see if a patient's case is improving. The underlying cause must also be addressed; a patient with congestive heart failure, for example, needs ongoing treatment to manage the condition and treat symptoms before they become severe.