my grandmother went to to hospital with shortness of breath, upon that visit they took chest x-rays and found half of her lung full of either fluid or infection . it was fluid and it was redish orange when they drained it what could this possibly be ?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Most common cause for pleural effusion is infection. But in old age, malignancy can cause pleural effusion. So we should rule out infection and malignancy in your grandmother s case. And for this get done following reports of pleural fluid. 1. Pleural fluid routine and microscopic examination. 2. Pleural fluid cytology 3. Pleural fluid culture and sensitivity. 4. Pleural biopsy if cytology is suggestive of malignant cells. CT thorax with Contrast is also useful. So better to consult pulmonologist and first diagnose the cause of effusion and then start appropriate treatment. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your grandmother. Thanks.