breathing problems

[evillebob]

Eleven days ago I had 3.5 L of fluid removed from around right lung, presumably accumulated due to presence of tumor.  My breathing has not returned to normal, still short of breath after little exertion.  How long would it take for lung function to return, or is this unusual and the result of continuing accumulation or blockage?  Thanks.

[LLRT]

Another thing that happens with this fluid build up is called atelectasis. Pronounced at-uh-lec-tuh-sis. This is just collapsing of the small airways. The fluid build up pushes on the lung so much that is squishes the airways and without continuous expansion, they stay collapsed. Breathing exercises with help pop these airways back open and keep them open. You may cough when taking a huge breath, but this in normal.When you breath in the airways open and SMACK back shut causing you to cough. Keep at it. It will get better. Usually a week is a good amount of time to get your breathing under order. Try this exercise. Inhale SLOWLY until you feel that your lungs will pop; Hold your breath and count to ten; then exhale SLOWLY. Do this ten times every hour. You may have to go very slow at first and that's okay. Keep at it and if you can't do all ten at once, slowly build up to it. Good luck to you.

-Lindsay, Reg. Respiratory Therapist

[National Jewish]

The lung is covered with a very thin membrane, called the pleura.  A similar membrane covers the inside of the chest wall, the ribs and muscles.  As the lungs expand and contract, these lubricated membranes glide over each other.  There is normally no space between them.  However it is possible for fluid to build up in between these 2 membranes.  This collection of fluid is called a pleural effusion.  When the fluid was removed, you should have gotten some immediate relief from your breathing difficulty.  If you have had fluid around your lung before, your lung could be bound-down by a thickened pleura.  Another possibility is that the fluid has quickly re-accumulated.  Check with your doctor to find out what is causing your ongoing shortness of breath with little exertion.  You