Internist Questions Pleural Effusion

Is pleural effusion a dangerous condition?

My mother was diagnosed with pleural effusion, and because of her medical condition, doctors aren't able to remove the fluid easily with medications. Is this a fatal condition?

1 Answer

It depends on what caused her pleural effusion. 25% of effusions remain undiagnosed as to their cause. There are medicines that can cause a lupus-like condition that can result in an effusion. Your mother’s physician will look for the cause of the effusion.