Generality
Pleural effusion is a condition characterized by an accumulation of fluid inside the pleural cavity, in quantities much greater than those that the pleural cavity would normally contain (10-20 ml of pleural fluid at most).
Causes
Pleural effusion occurs when there is insufficient (transudate) pleural fluid disposal; or when there is an excessive production (exudates) of the same fluid.
Generally, the main cause of transudate formation is heart failure (or heart failure), cirrhosis or hypoalbuminemia.
Exudates, on the other hand, are mainly caused by pneumonia, neoplasms, pulmonary embolism and tuberculosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms that can occur in patients with pleural effusion are dyspnoea, chest pain, dry cough, hypoxia, tachypnea and hypercapnia.
Moreover, in some individuals, fever, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, hiccups, ascites, anemia and a decrease in body weight can occur.
If not treated properly, pleural effusion can lead to complications and permanent damage to the lungs.
Information on Pleural effusion - Drugs for the Treatment of Pleural effusion is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Pleural effusion - Drugs for the treatment of Pleural effusion.
drugs
The treatment of pleural effusion is aimed, first of all, at combating dyspnea and other respiratory difficulties caused by the accumulation of fluid. To do this, it is essential to remove the excess pleural fluid from the cavity and it is necessary to treat the primary cause that caused the pouring.
In milder cases of pleural effusion, the doctor may institute symptomatic treatment, subjecting patients to oxygen therapy and diuretic therapy based therapies.
In the event that the pleural effusion is caused by bacterial infections, then the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is also required (if the infectious agent has not been identified), or specific antibiotics (in the event that it was possible recognize the bacteria responsible for the infection).
In the most serious cases of pleural effusion, on the other hand, the thoracentesis technique can be used.
Diuretics
As mentioned, diuretics can be used in the treatment of pleural effusion, so as to reduce the excessive volume of pericardial fluid accumulated.
Among the various active ingredients that can be used, we recall the furosemide (Lasix ®, Lasix Fiale ®). This active ingredient is available both for parenteral administration and for oral administration. When administered via the latter route, the dose of furosemide usually used is 25-50 mg per day.
When, on the other hand, furosemide is administered by intravenous injection, the dose of active ingredient usually used is 20 mg per day.
However, the doctor will need to determine the exact amount of medicine to take for each patient.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be used to treat pleural effusion caused by bacterial infections.
In the event that it is possible to identify the bacterium that supports the infection, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic therapy aimed at eradicating that same beating from the patient's body.
If the microorganism responsible for the infection cannot be identified, however, the doctor may resort to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as, for example, amoxicillin (Augmentin ®, Zimox ®, Amox ®, Clavulin ®, Velamox ®).
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class. The dose of medication usually given in adult patients is 1-3 grams per day, to be taken orally in 2-3 divided doses. In any case, the exact dosage of medicine must be established by the doctor on an individual basis.