Pleural Effusion Treatment in Hyderabad

Pleural disease means a problem in the thin space between the lung and the chest wall. The most common one is pleural effusion, where fluid collects in that space and makes breathing harder. Others are empyema (infected fluid) and pneumothorax (air in the space). Dr. Kishan Srikanth Juvva, pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, finds the cause with fluid tests, ultrasound-guided thoracentesis and, when needed, medical thoracoscopy, then treats it by draining the fluid or air and dealing with what caused it.

Illustration of the lungs and airways inside the chest

Breathing should never be an effort. Yet for many, conditions like pleural effusion, pleural infection and cancer that has reached the pleura make it harder. Unexplained breathlessness, persistent chest discomfort, or fluid collecting around the lungs, in the pleural space, needs prompt assessment by a lung specialist. Dr. Kishan offers pleural disease care grounded in evidence-based practice and respect for each patient.

Conditions We Manage

Pleural problems need prompt and careful evaluation. Dr. Kishan assesses and treats the main pleural conditions, from a simple effusion to infected fluid, air leaks and fluid caused by cancer, and works with other specialists when the cause lies elsewhere in the body.

01. Pleural Disease Treatment

Pleural disorders can compromise your lung’s ability to expand fully, resulting in discomfort, infection, and impaired breathing. Using ultrasound-guided procedures, chest drains and medical thoracoscopy, Dr. Kishan treats:

Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Air in the pleural space. A small pneumothorax may only need observation; a larger one is treated by removing the air with a needle or an intercostal chest drain (ICD) so the lung can re-expand, with pleurodesis considered for recurrent cases.

Pleural Effusion: Fluid collecting around the lungs, in the pleural space. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis and medical thoracoscopy are used for fluid drainage, diagnosis and long-term management.

Empyema (Infected Pleural Space): Infected fluid (pus) in the pleural space. It is drained with a chest drain, the fluid is sent for culture, and antibiotics are chosen based on the results.

Each treatment plan is personalised, to find the cause and stop the fluid coming back where possible.

02. Pleural Effusion (Fluid Around the Lungs) Evaluation and Treatment

Pleural effusion is fluid collecting around the lungs, in the pleural space. It can be caused by heart failure, infection, tuberculosis or cancer that has reached the pleura. Finding the cause is the key step, because treatment depends on it.

Diagnostic Thoracentesis: A thin needle, guided by ultrasound and placed under local anaesthetic, removes pleural fluid for analysis to find the underlying cause.

Pleural Fluid Analysis (Cytology, ADA, Biochemical Markers): Detailed analysis of the fluid, including cytology for cellular evaluation and biochemical markers to help identify the cause.

Tuberculous Pleural Effusion: Tuberculosis is a common cause of pleural effusion in India. It is confirmed with fluid tests (including ADA) and, if needed, a pleural biopsy, and treated with standard anti-TB medicines.

Ultrasound and CT-Guided Drainage: Imaging is used to guide the needle or chest drain (ICD) to the fluid, so it can be removed safely.

Medical Thoracoscopy and Pleurodesis: When fluid tests don’t show the cause, medical thoracoscopy lets the doctor look inside the pleural space through a small cut and take biopsies. Pleurodesis, which seals the space so fluid can’t build up again, can be done at the same time.

Root Cause Identification and Targeted Treatment: Once the cause of the effusion is identified, a personalised treatment plan addresses the root condition, to stop the fluid coming back where possible.

03. Pleural Infections

Pleural infections, often caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis, or post-surgical complications, can lead to severe pain and breathing difficulties. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid further respiratory complications.

We offer:

Precise Diagnostic Imaging: Using chest X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound to detect infection and inflammation in the pleura.

Pleural Fluid Culture and Sensitivity: Precise microbiological analysis of pleural fluid to identify causative pathogens and guide targeted antibiotic therapy.

Tailored Antibiotic Therapy: Administering appropriate antibiotics based on infection type, guided by fluid culture results, to treat the infection and prevent further damage.

Drainage Procedures: When infected fluid has built up, it is drained with a chest drain (ICD). If the fluid is divided into pockets (loculated), fibrinolytic medicines (tPA/DNase) given through the drain, or thoracoscopy, may be needed.

04. Cancer Cells in Pleural Fluid

Cancer cells in pleural fluid mean a malignant pleural effusion: fluid caused by cancer that has reached the pleura, most often from lung or breast cancer, lymphoma or mesothelioma. Care focuses on confirming the diagnosis, relieving breathlessness and controlling the fluid, together with the oncology team.

We offer:

Cytological Examination: Examination of pleural fluid to look for cancer cells and identify the type of cancer.

Biopsy and Molecular Testing: If required, we perform pleural biopsy and molecular tests to help the oncology team choose targeted cancer treatment.

Controlling Recurrent Fluid: Fluid caused by cancer often comes back. Options include repeated drainage, pleurodesis, or an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), a thin tube left in place so fluid can be drained at home.

Multidisciplinary Care Approach: Collaborating with oncologists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which includes chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or surgical interventions.

Ongoing Monitoring and Support: Ensuring ongoing monitoring of treatment progress, addressing any side effects, and delivering supportive care to support quality of life.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Kishan for Pleural Disease Care

Dr. Kishan holds an MD, a DM (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine) from VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, a Master’s in Interventional Pulmonology from the University of Florence and a Fellowship in Sleep Medicine. He consults at Apollo Hospitals, Financial District and Breathe Well, Kondapur. For pleural disease, he brings imaging, fluid tests and procedures together, with a personalised plan for each patient.

Expertise: Pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, managing pleural effusion, empyema and pneumothorax.

Diagnostics: Chest ultrasound, pleural fluid analysis and ultrasound-guided thoracentesis to find the cause.

Minimally Invasive: Procedures such as ultrasound-guided drainage and medical thoracoscopy, rather than open surgery, where they are suitable.

Patient-Centered Care: Personalised treatment plans with a compassionate approach.

Collaborative Care: Works with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive pulmonary health.

Long-Term Wellness: Focused on both immediate relief and ongoing lung health.

When Should You See a Lung Specialist?

Your lungs are essential to your health, and any signs of respiratory distress should never be overlooked. If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms or have concerns about your lung health, it’s important to see a lung specialist for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Where this is available

Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad 500032: consultations for pleural effusion, empyema and pneumothorax, pleural fluid tests, ultrasound-guided thoracentesis, chest drain (ICD) insertion and medical thoracoscopy.

Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Call +91 90598 73547 or WhatsApp

Thoracentesis and chest drain (ICD) insertion:
Medical thoracoscopy and pleurodesis:
Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) for recurrent malignant effusion:
Fibrinolytic therapy (tPA/DNase) for empyema:

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Frequently asked questions

What causes fluid around the lungs?

Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) is commonly caused by heart failure, pneumonia, tuberculosis or cancer. In India, tuberculosis is one of the commonest causes. Cancer-related fluid most often comes from lung or breast cancer, lymphoma or mesothelioma. Kidney or liver disease and pulmonary embolism can also cause it. Fluid tests show which cause applies.

Is pleural effusion serious?

It can be, depending on the cause and the amount of fluid. A small effusion may cause no symptoms, while a large one can make you breathless. Because the cause can range from heart failure to infection or cancer, any new effusion should be assessed by a lung specialist so the cause is found and treated.

How is pleural fluid removed?

Pleural fluid is usually removed by thoracentesis: a thin needle is passed between the ribs under local anaesthetic, guided by ultrasound, and the fluid is drained. Large, infected or recurring collections may need a chest drain (ICD). The fluid is also sent for tests, such as cell count, protein, ADA, cytology and culture, to find the cause.

Can pleural effusion come back?

Yes, it can come back if the underlying cause is still active, as often happens with fluid caused by cancer or poorly controlled heart failure. Treating the cause is the first step. For fluid that keeps returning, options include pleurodesis, which seals the pleural space, or an indwelling pleural catheter that allows drainage at home.

Where can I get pleural effusion treated in Hyderabad?

Dr. Kishan treats pleural effusion at Apollo Hospitals, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad. The OPD runs Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pleural fluid tests, ultrasound-guided thoracentesis, chest drains and medical thoracoscopy are done at the hospital. Call or WhatsApp +91 90598 73547 to book an appointment.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kishan Srikanth Juvva, MD, DM (Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine).

Pleural Disease Treatment in Hyderabad