How Pleural Effusion Develops?

How does pleural effusion develop? The pleura creates too much fluid when it's irritated, inflamed, or infected. This fluid accumulates in the chest cavity outside the lung, causing what's known as a pleural effusion.

What is the most common cause of pleural effusion?

Exudative (protein-rich fluid) pleural effusions are most commonly caused by: Pneumonia. Cancer. Pulmonary embolism.

Where does pleural fluid come from?

Some of the more common ones are: Leaking from other organs. This usually happens if you have congestive heart failure, when your heart doesn't pump blood to your body properly. But it can also come from liver or kidney disease, when fluid builds up in your body and leaks into the pleural space.