“What is the treatment for fluid accumulation around one side of the lung?”
My mother has fluid accumulation around one side of her lungs. Can it be drained out with medicines?
3 Answers
Usually fluid on just one side of the lungs is much less likely to be successfully treated with medication alone. Drainage of some or all of the fluid by pleurocentesis, gives a good way to help evaluate the cause and determine the best treatment plan.
It really depends on the type of fluid. Some fluid accumulation can be controlled with medications (this is the case in fluid from heart problems, liver problems, kidney problems). In other instances such medications can not help and drainage would be needed. If the fluid is from infection, medications to control the infection itself may be enough, but if the volume is large enough, then drainage is indicated. In any instance, if the volume is large and there are symptoms of low oxygen, shortness of breath, etc., then drainage is needed. Certainly it is important to know WHY the fluid is there. I advise to have her see her provider to further work this up so that she gets best adequate management.
It is best to drain the fluid. Unless the exact cause of the fluid accumulation is already known, do a pleural biopsy also. And when the fluid is drained sufficiently, get a chest X-ray.
