Pleural effusion

Human serosal cavity includes pleural cavity, pericardial cavity, peritoneal cavity, joint cavity, scrotal sheath cavity and so on. Under normal circumstances, there is only a small amount of liquid in the cavity, which acts as a lubricant. However, under pathological conditions, there may be a large amount of fluid in the cavity, called serous fluid, such as pleural effusion, ascites, pericardial effusion, scrotal effusion, joint effusion, etc. Due to the different causes of effusion, it can be divided into two types: leaking fluid and exudate. The various components and properties are obviously different. Check the amount, appearance, pH, relative density, protein, glucose and microscopic examination of various effusions. The significance lies in distinguishing the nature of the effusion, judging whether it is leakage or exudate, and then finding out the cause for diagnosis and treatment.

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