👉 Chest fluid, also known as pleural effusion, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall, known as the pleural cavity. This fluid can result from various underlying conditions, such as heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or infections. The fluid can be clear and watery, or it may contain blood cells, pus, or other particles, depending on the cause. It can impair lung function by reducing the efficiency of gas exchange and may lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and reduced breath sounds. Chest fluid is typically diagnosed through imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds, and its management depends on identifying and treating the underlying cause.
