Understanding Pleural Effusions

Understanding pleural effusions

Pleural effusions happen when too much fluid builds up in the space around the lungs. This extra fluid can press on the lungs and weigh down the diaphragm, making it hard to take a full breath.^1,2

Pleural effusions can happen in people with cancer, heart or kidney failure, liver disease, or inflammatory conditions.^1,2

Pleural effusions can cause^1,2

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pressure
Sharp pain when breathing in

Persistent cough
Fatigue

A vicious cycle

For some people with pleural effusions, the fluid returns to the lungs even after it’s been drained. Sometimes fluid comes back every 1 or 2 weeks.^1-4 When pleural fluid keeps coming back, people may need procedure after procedure to drain it.^2,4 This cycle of repeat treatments can be exhausting—physically and emotionally.

Hear how ACES® has made breathing easier for people living with recurrent pleural effusions

Freedom from painful, repeat procedures

Pleurodesis is a procedure that uses medication (chemical sclerosing agents) to seal the space around the lungs. It usually requires pain medication and an extended hospital stay.² This can sometimes provide a long-term solution. However, pleurodesis isn’t an option for all patients—in fact, pleurodesis can have a 30% failure rate.⁵

Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are tubes placed in the chest with a small opening that stays outside the body  so fluid can be drained at home.^2,4

IPCs require frequent drainage using vacuum bottles and often needs support from home healthcare. It can also increase the risk of infection.^2,4,5

Learn why ACES may be a better choice  for managing pleural effusions

References: 1. Shen-Wagner J, Gamble C, MacGilvray P. Pleural Effusion: Diagnostic Approach in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Nov;108(5):464-475. 2. American Thoracic Society. Indwelling tunneled pleural catheters (patient education information sheet). ATS Patient Information Series. 2019. Accessed December 8, 2025. https://craftprd1.blob.core.windows.net/documents/advocacy-patients/patient-resources/indwelling-tunneled-pleural-catheters.pdf craftprd1.blob.core.windows.net 3. Wright MJ, Nguyen PH, Backer ED, Goitein L, Feller-Kopman DJ. Recurrent malignant pleural effusion management: evaluating quality gaps, outcomes, costs, and adherence to guideline-consistent care. CHEST Pulmonary. 2025;(In press). 4. American Thoracic Society. Malignant pleural effusions (patient education fact sheet). ATS Patient Information Series. 2018. Accessed December 8, 2025. https://craftprd1.blob.core.windows.net/documents/advocacy-patients/patient-resources/malignant-pleural-effusions.pdf 5. Iyer NP, Reddy CB, Wahidi MM, Lewis SZ, et al. Indwelling pleural catheter versus pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions. a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2019 Jan;16(1):124-131.