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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 44(04): 502-508
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769098
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769098
Review Article
Breathlessness with Pleural Effusion: What Do We Know?
Abstract
Breathlessness is the most common symptom in individuals with pleural effusion and is often disabling. The pathophysiology of breathlessness associated with pleural effusion is complex. The severity of breathlessness correlates weakly with the size of the effusion. Improvements in ventilatory capacity following pleural drainage are small and correlate poorly with the volume of fluid drained and improvements in breathlessness. Impaired hemidiaphragm function and a compensatory increase in respiratory drive to maintain ventilation appear to be an important mechanism of breathlessness associated with pleural effusion. Thoracocentesis reduces diaphragm distortion and improves its movement; these changes appear to reduce respiratory drive and associated breathlessness by improving the neuromechanical efficiency of the diaphragm.
Publication History
Article published online:
12 June 2023
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