Pleural disorders can arise from a variety of factors, most commonly injury, inflammation, or infection that lead to a buildup of air or blood in the pleural space.
Understanding Pleural Disorders
The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity. It's made up of two layers: the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall. The space between these two layers is called the pleural space, which normally contains a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant, allowing the lungs to expand and contract smoothly during breathing. When something disrupts this delicate balance, a pleural disorder can occur.
Common Causes of Pleural Disorders
Several specific causes can lead to the development of pleural disorders.
- Infection: Infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, can cause inflammation of the pleura (pleurisy) and lead to fluid buildup (pleural effusion).
- Injury: Trauma to the chest, such as from a car accident or surgery, can cause blood (hemothorax) or air (pneumothorax) to accumulate in the pleural space.
- Inflammation: Conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus) can cause inflammation of the pleura.
- Cancer: Lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the pleura), and other cancers that have spread to the pleura can cause pleural effusions.
- Heart Failure: Congestive heart failure can cause fluid to back up into the lungs and pleural space, resulting in pleural effusion.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can sometimes cause pleural effusion.
- Other Medical Conditions: Liver disease, kidney disease, and certain medications can also contribute to the development of pleural effusions.
Types of Pleural Disorders
The underlying cause often determines the specific type of pleural disorder that develops. According to the reference, common types include:
- Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura.
- Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup in the pleural space.
- Pneumothorax: Air accumulation in the pleural space.
