About this topic
The pleura are thin layers of tissue that cover the outside surface of the lungs. A small amount of fluid fills up this space between the lungs and the chest wall. The pleura act as a lubricant to help the lungs work properly. Fluid can increase in this space due to certain conditions such as cancer, heart failure, lung infections, or pneumonia. A lot of extra fluid can press on the lungs and cause problems breathing. ‚
Thoracentesis is a procedure done to remove fluid from the space around your lung. The fluid is removed to help you breathe easier and to check the fluid in the lab. It is done by putting a needle into the space between two ribs under your armpit or in your back. This may be done as a scheduled or emergency procedure. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wound. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will talk to you about any treatments after your test results are in.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Rest for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and hard exercise. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Collapsed lung
- Bleeding
- Fluid builds up in the lungs
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, redness, pain, or bleeding at the wound site.
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Pain when taking a deep breath
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusion. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how I will take care of my biopsy site where the needle went in.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or other problems.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/thor/ ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-14 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚