Diseases

Pleural Effusion

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A pleural effusion is excess fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs. This excess can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs. ... A pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural space, and is commonly called a "collapsed lung".

SYMPTOMS

Pain areas: in the chest
Pain types: can be sharp
Respiratory: fast breathing or shortness of breath
Also common: coughing

CAUSES

Congestive heart failure (the most common cause overall)
Cirrhosis or poor liver function.
Pulmonary embolism, which is caused by a blood clot and is a blockage in the lung arteries.
Complications from open-heart surgery.
Pneumonia.