Asbestos-related diseases can turn your life upside down and impact your well-being in detrimental ways. Pleural effusion, for example, can prevent you from working, cause emotional distress and even impact your personal relationships.
Understanding what pleural effusion is may help you to recognize symptoms and take action before it is too late.
Pleural effusion symptoms
Pleural effusion happens when fluid accumulates around your lungs. According to WebMD, a minimal amount of fluid, approximately two teaspoons, is normal for your pleura. With consistent exposure to asbestos, the amount of fluid in between the layers of your pleura may increase to a harmful capacity. The result can cause a number of discomforting symptoms including the following:
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Pleurisy or chest pain
- Fever
Pleural effusion treatment
Treatment options for pleural effusion vary depending on the severity of your case. In serious cases where your symptoms do not subside after minimal treatment, your doctor may place a permanent catheter in your pleural cavity. This will consistently remove fluid from the area to help manage your symptoms and relieve discomfort. In less serious cases, antibiotics may provide enough strength to prevent ongoing problems.
If you suffer from asbestos-related diseases such as pleural effusion, you may need to take time away from work to receive treatment. In serious cases, you may suffer a permanent disability that prevents you from returning to work. Understanding your rights and the role of workers’ compensation benefits may aid you in getting the help you need. If your employer refuses to give you support, you may consider a lawsuit to help cover the costs of treating and living with your condition.