.

Keeping this in view, can diuretics treat pleural effusion?

Diuretics and other heart failure medications are used to treat pleural effusion caused by congestive heart failure or other medical causes. A malignant effusion may also require treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a medication infusion within the chest.

Also, what is the most common cause of pleural effusion? In general, pleural effusions can be divided into transudates (caused by fluid leaking from blood vessels) and exudates (where fluid leaks from inflammation of the pleura and lung). The most common causes of pleural effusion are congestive heart failure, pneumonia, malignancies, and pulmonary embolism.

Similarly one may ask, what is the best treatment for pleural effusion?

Medication may be used in treatment especially if there is an infection. Types of medication used to treat pleural effusion include steroids, anti-inflammatories, diuretics or antibiotics.

How long can you live with pleural effusion?

Sadly, the average life expectancy for lung cancer with a malignant pleural effusion is less than six months. The median survival time (the time at which 50 percent of people will have died) is four months, though some people survive longer.