Pleural Effusion Treatment in San Antonio | Texas IPS

1.5 million people are diagnosed with pleural effusion every year in the United States. No matter the cause, Texas IPS can help.

Types of pleural effusion

Pleural effusion, often called “water in the lungs,” occurs when excess fluid collects between the layers of the pleura—the thin membranes lining the lungs and chest cavity. Everyone has some amount of liquid in their pleura, but when it builds up, it can compress the lung, making breathing difficult.

There are two main types of pleural effusion:

Transudative (protein-poor)

This is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space from increased pressure in blood vessels or a low protein count. It’s often caused by heart failure.

Exudative (protein-rich)

This is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space from increased pressure in blood vessels or a low protein count. It’s often caused by heart failure.

What are the Symptoms of Pleural Effusion?

Patients with pleural effusion might experience:

Shortness of breath

Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply

Dry cough

Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest

Difficulty lying flat

What Causes Pleural Effusion?

Pleural effusion can result from various underlying conditions, including:

Congestive heart failure

Pneumonia or lung infections

Pulmonary embolism

Kidney or liver disease

Cancer

Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus)

How is Pleural Effusion Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is crucial and typically involves:

Chest X-ray

CT scan of the chest

Ultrasound of the chest

Thoracentesis (procedure to remove fluid for testing)

Treatment of Pleural Effusion at Texas IPS

Our specialists at Texas IPS provide tailored care based on the underlying cause and severity of your pleural effusion. Treatment options include:

Thoracentesis to remove excess fluid

Chest tube insertion for continuous fluid drainage

Medical pleuroscopy

Ultrasound guided biopsy

Chemical pleurodesis

Referral Criteria

Patients may be referred to Texas IPS’s Pleural Effusion Program if they fit one or more of the following:

Recurrent exudative pleural effusion

Unexplained exudative effusion

Large Symptomatic pleural effusion

Atypical imaging findings

Concern for Malignant Pleural Effusion

Diagnostic Uncertainty

Pneumothorax

Chylothorax

Need for any pleural procedure

Pleural Effusion Physicians

Ali Abedi, MD, FCCP, DAABIP

Medical Director, Lung Cancer Service Line

Pulmonary Care

Critical Care

Interventional Bronchoscopy

Lung Nodule/Cancer Clinic

Aristides J. Armas Villalba, MD

Pulmonary Care & Critical Care

Lung Nodules

Lung Cancer

Pleural Disease

Fernando Vázquez de Lara, MD

Pulmonary Care

Critical Care

Franklin Argueta, MD

Pulmonary Care

Asthma

COPD

Gustavo Gabino Miranda, MD

Pulmonary Care

Critical Care

Lung Nodule/Cancer Clinic

Mohamed Abdalla, MD

Pulmonary Care

Critical Care

Interstitial Lung Disease

Lung Nodule/Cancer

Asthma

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