US Medical Term · conditions
Pleural Effusion
Derrame pleural
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Pleural Effusion |
| Spanish (Español) | Derrame pleural |
| Chinese (中文) | 胸腔積液 |
| Korean (한국어) | 흉막 삼출 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tràn dịch màng phổi |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pleural Effusion |
| Portuguese (Português) | Derrame pleural |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | น้ำในโพรงเยื่อหุ้มปอด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 胸水 |
What it means
Pleural effusion is the buildup of excess fluid between the two layers of tissue that surround the lungs, called the pleura. It can be caused by heart failure, pneumonia, cancer, kidney disease, or autoimmune conditions. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with breathing, and a dry cough. Small effusions may resolve without treatment. Larger ones may require thoracentesis, a procedure where a needle drains the fluid to relieve pressure and allow testing of the fluid. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include diuretics, antibiotics, or drainage procedures. A persistent effusion requires specialist evaluation.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor found fluid around my lung on imaging and wants to discuss treatment.
Mi médico encontró líquido alrededor de mi pulmón en las imágenes y quiere hablar sobre el tratamiento.
Will I need a procedure to drain the fluid around my lung?
¿Necesitaré un procedimiento para drenar el líquido alrededor de mi pulmón?
What is causing the fluid to build up around my lungs?
¿Qué está causando la acumulación de líquido alrededor de mis pulmones?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
J90 Pleural effusion, not elsewhere classifiedRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026