Pleural effusion (Treatment)

How to treat pleural effusion ?

• Treat the cause: fluid in the pleural space generally is a reflection of underlying pathology hence most important line of treatment is to treat the cause.

• Drain: with help of USG they mark and insert a needle (if fluid is small) or a tube (moderate to large fluid) and drain the fluid from the pleural space

• Pleurodesis: after removing the excessive fluid the doctor places some drugs (sclerosing chemical substances) in the space to make the two pleura stick together hence leaves no scope of fluid build up in the space.

• Surgery: Decortication, pleurectomy, pleuropneumonectomy, closure of bronchopleural fistula with or without grafting, window operation, fenestration surgery, thoracostomy, and thoraco- plasty are the various surgical methods used and available which are opted for if lesser non-invasive methods fail and underlying cause needs to be dealt with.

Remedies:

• Getting good sleep One should try sleeping with head raised by use of pillows since this facilities a smooth breathing process.

• Lie on painful side: helps in reducing the pain sensation

• Using essential oils: eucalyptus and peppermint oils have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.

• Balanced healthy diet, taking nutrition and dietary supplements in speedy recovery and prevents infections.

• Dry ginger, long pepper and black pepper grinded to powder form and taken along with honey, 3 times/day. This mixture has a highly anti-inflammatory action.

• Capsicum and Selenium: help in getting relived from pleurisy

• Giloy juice brings down the inflammation and soothes the lining of the lung.

• Hot and cold compression: improves the circulation and drainage.

• Exercising: once fluid has been drained and doctor allows one to exercise, being fit is best way to build a strong immunity mechanism.