Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis

Chronic pleural effusion or fibrosis

Chronic pleural effusion and fibrosis are two related conditions that can affect the lungs and respiratory system. 

Chronic Pleural Effusion:

Chronic pleural effusion is a condition in which an excessive amount of fluid accumulates in the pleural space, which is the area between the two layers of the thin membrane that covers the lungs. 

Causes of Chronic Pleural Effusion

• Congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of chronic pleural effusion.

• Cancer

Cancer, especially lung cancer, can cause chronic pleural effusion.

• Pneumonia

Pneumonia can cause chronic pleural effusion, especially if it is not treated promptly.

• Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in an artery in one of the lungs, can cause chronic pleural effusion.

• Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic pleural effusion.

• Bleeding

Bleeding due to chest trauma can cause chronic pleural effusion.

• Chylothorax

Chylothorax, which is caused by an injury to the main lymphatic duct in the chest or by a blockage of the duct by a tumor, can cause chronic pleural effusion.

Symptoms of Chronic Pleural Effusion

• Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a common symptom of chronic pleural effusion.

• Chest pain

Pain in the chest, especially around the site of the effusion, can be a symptom of chronic pleural effusion.

• Dry cough

A dry cough that does not produce phlegm is another common symptom of chronic pleural effusion.

• Fatigue

Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of chronic pleural effusion.

Diagnosis of Chronic Pleural Effusion

• Physical examination

A thorough examination of the chest is performed to assess the presence of chronic pleural effusion.

• Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be used to visualize the chest and determine the extent of the effusion.

• Pleural fluid analysis

Analysis of the fluid in the pleural space can help determine the cause of chronic pleural effusion.

Chronic Fibrosis:

Chronic fibrosis is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes scarred and thickened, leading to difficulty breathing and reduced lung function.

Causes of Chronic Fibrosis

• Idiopathic 

In many cases, the cause of chronic fibrosis is unknown and is referred to as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

• Environmental factors

Exposure to environmental factors such as dust, chemicals, or radiation can cause chronic fibrosis.

• Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or scleroderma can cause chronic fibrosis.

• Infections

Certain infections such as tuberculosis or pneumonia can cause chronic fibrosis.

Symptoms of Chronic Fibrosis

• Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath is a common symptom of chronic fibrosis.

• Dry cough

A dry cough that does not produce phlegm is another common symptom of chronic fibrosis.

• Fatigue

Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of chronic fibrosis.

• Chest pain

Pain in the chest, especially while breathing or coughing, can be a symptom of chronic fibrosis.

Diagnosis of Chronic Fibrosis

• Physical examination

A thorough examination of the chest is performed to assess the presence of chronic fibrosis.

• Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be used to visualize the chest and determine the extent of the fibrosis.

• Pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function tests measure how well the lungs are functioning and can help diagnose chronic fibrosis.

Or rate primary disorder.

Note (1): A 100-percent rating shall be assigned for pleurisy with empyema, with or without pleurocutaneous fistula, until resolved.

Note (2): Following episodes of total spontaneous pneumothorax, a rating of 100 percent shall be assigned as of the date of hospital admission and shall continue for three months from the first day of the month after hospital discharge.

Note (3): Gunshot wounds of the pleural cavity with bullet or missile retained in lung, pain or discomfort on exertion, or with scattered rales or some limitation of excursion of diaphragm or of lower chest expansion shall be rated at least 20-percent disabling. Disabling injuries of shoulder girdle muscles (Groups I to IV) shall be separately rated and combined with ratings for respiratory involvement. Involvement of Muscle Group XXI (DC 5321), however, will not be separately rated.