Hydrothorax of the lung is a rather serious condition, which is accompanied by an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity. Moreover, such a pathology is not the result of an inflammatory process, but arises as a result of an increase in hydrostatic pressure in the vessels of the circulatory system.
Hydrothorax of the lung: causes and forms of the disease
As already mentioned, the accumulation of fluid in the cavity between the pleural sheets is caused by a change in pressure inside the vessels. But what is the reason for its increase? In fact, hydrothorax of the lungs can be the result of many diseases:
- First of all, it is worth noting heart failure, which is often accompanied by just such complications.
- Some kidney diseases, in particular amyloidosis and glomerulonephritis, can also be attributed to the causes.
- Decrease in the amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.
- Liver cirrhosis often leads to a change in oncotic blood pressure, which, in turn, can cause fluid accumulation.
- A large tumor located in the mediastinum and squeezing large vessels.
- Severe deficiency of ascorbic acid and some vitamins in the body.
- Violation of the normal outflow of lymph.
Hydrothorax of the lung and its symptoms
In the initial stages, such a condition, as a rule, does not affect the human condition. Nevertheless, with an increase in the amount of fluid in the pleural cavity , the first symptoms begin to appear. As a rule, patients complain of a feeling of heaviness in the chest. In the future, there are problems with breathing. The patient increasingly has a feeling of lack of air. Therefore, over time, breathing becomes more frequent, but superficial. Hydrothorax of the lungs almost never causes a fever or chest pain. Nevertheless, when a large amount of fluid accumulates in the organ, one side of the chest can rise and become more convex. Upon careful examination, you can notice that the affected area lags behind during respiratory movements. It is difficult for the patient to lie or engage in physical labor - reflexively he tries to take a half-sitting position, in which it is much easier to breathe.
Hydrothorax of the lung: diagnostic methods
Of course, first of all, it is necessary to conduct a complete diagnosis, which will not only help confirm the presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, but also find out the cause of the pathology. To begin with, the patient passes standard blood and urine tests, which make it possible to check the presence of infection and to determine the condition of the kidneys. In addition, ultrasound and x-ray studies, as well as puncture of the pleural cavity, are carried out.
Hydrothorax of the lungs: treatment
In fact, the treatment process directly depends on the cause of the accumulation of transudate in the pleural cavity. For example, with cardiovascular failure, appropriate medications, diet, physical activity and lack of stress are required. At the same time, cirrhosis shows not only special nutrition, but also the use of hepatoprotectors. In those cases, if a large amount of fluid has accumulated in the pleural cavity, and it strongly compresses the lungs, it is removed during the puncture.