Pleuraalissas

Pleuraalissas is a Finnish term that translates to "pleural effusion" in English medical terminology. Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, the potential space between the two layers of pleura, which are thin membranes lining the lungs and the inner chest wall. Normally, a small amount of fluid exists in this space, facilitating smooth movement of the lungs during respiration.

When this fluid balance is disrupted, fluid can build up abnormally. This can occur due to various underlying conditions, including heart failure, pneumonia, kidney disease, liver disease, certain cancers, and inflammatory conditions. The excess fluid can compress the lung, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and a dry cough. The diagnosis of pleural effusion is typically made through medical imaging like chest X-rays or ultrasounds, and the fluid can be analyzed to help determine its cause. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition and, in some cases, removing the excess fluid through a procedure called thoracentesis.