👉 Down fluid, also known as pleural effusion, is an excess accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall, specifically within the pleural cavity. This fluid is primarily composed of water, proteins, and electrolytes, and it can result from various conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, or liver disease. The presence of down fluid can impair lung function by increasing the distance between the alveoli and the capillaries, making it harder for oxygen to diffuse into the blood. It is often detected through imaging tests like chest X-rays or ultrasounds and may require medical intervention depending on its cause and severity.
