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Pleural effusion

Alternative Names: Fluid in the chest; Pleural fluid Symptoms: Shortness of breath Chest pain, usually a sharp pain that is worse with cough or deep breaths Cough Hiccups Rapid breathing There may be no symptoms. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below During a physical examination, the doctor will listen to the sound of your breathing with a stethoscope and may tap on your chest to listen for dullness. The following tests may help to confirm a diagnosis: Chest x-ray Thoracic CT Ultrasound of the chest Thoracentesis Pleural fluid analysis The cause and type of pleural effusion is usually determined by thoracentesis (a sample of fluid is removed with a needle inserted between the ribs).

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