The key difference between pleural and pneumothorax lies in what accumulates in the pleural cavity, the space between the lung and the chest wall.
| Feature | Pleural Effusion | Pneumothorax |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Buildup of excess fluid in the pleural cavity. | Presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity. |
| Cause | Various medical conditions (e.g., heart failure, infection) | Lung injury, disease, or spontaneously. |
| Content | Fluid (various types) | Air or gas |
In more detail:
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Pleural Effusion: This refers to the buildup of excess fluid within the pleural space. This fluid could be transudate (fluid that leaks out), exudate (fluid related to inflammation), blood (hemothorax), or other fluids. The reference mentions, "Pleural effusion - the buildup of pleural fluid in the pleural cavity."
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Pneumothorax: This refers to the presence of air or gas within the pleural space, as highlighted in the reference: "Pneumothorax - the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity."
In simpler terms: pleural effusion is fluid, pneumothorax is air.
