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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Fluid Build Up In The Lung?

My mother, 86, has had a pacemaker and atrial abulation and is currently being treated for multiple myelom to which her blood work is showing great results! Her problem is that she has had fluid build up in her left lung which was drained 3 months ago, last week and the left lung has refilled again. Doctor says heart problem would cause fluid build up in both lungs, not one. Fluid tested negative for infection, myeloma cells, etc. CAT scan shows no mass in left lung. So, doctor is baffled. Any idea what can cause fluid build up repeatedly in one lung only?
posted on Sun, 19 Oct 2014
Twitter Mon, 3 Nov 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 3 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
There are many causes for pleural effusion in your mother.
Like
1. Infection like TB
2. Congestive heart failure.
3. Hypoproteinemia
4. Pleural spread of myeloma.
Etc.
And cardiac effusion can occur on one side. So it os not rule of thumb that cardiac effusion is bilator only. In rare cases isolated cardiac effusion can be seen.
Infection like TB appears more.
Low protein level can also be the cause.
So get done protien level.
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What Causes Fluid Build Up In The Lung?

Thanks for your question on HCM. There are many causes for pleural effusion in your mother. Like 1. Infection like TB 2. Congestive heart failure. 3. Hypoproteinemia 4. Pleural spread of myeloma. Etc. And cardiac effusion can occur on one side. So it os not rule of thumb that cardiac effusion is bilator only. In rare cases isolated cardiac effusion can be seen. Infection like TB appears more. Low protein level can also be the cause. So get done protien level.