Chylothorax usually consists of small chest pains. Pain may increase with deep lifting or coughing. The victim may feel that he or she cannot fully exhale or breathe out air because the lungs cannot expand freely.

In some cases, air may begin to concentrate in the pleural cavity for no apparent reason, which is called a spontaneous course of the disease. This condition is divided into two types: primary (without known prior lung problems) and secondary (as a complication of another lung condition). Chylothorax can also be associated with lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.

Diagnosis at MDI Clinic

The doctor begins the examination by talking to the patient about their medical history and the symptoms they are experiencing. This may include information about possible traumatic events preceding lung disease or surgery.

The specialist performs medical tests on the patient, including listening to the lungs and heart with a stethoscope. This allows the identification of signs characteristic of the disease, such as the sound of pleural friction.

Chest radiography is one of the main methods of diagnosis. It allows you to visualize the presence of air in the pleural cavity and estimate its volume. A radiograph may show the lungs rising from the chest wall.

A CT scan of the chest can provide more detailed information about the condition of the body and the condition of the air in the pleural cavity. It can also help identify other lung or chest problems that may be associated with the disease.

Ultrasound can be used to measure the volume of air in the pleural cavity and determine the exact location of air accumulation.

In cases where the disease has caused a severe air murmur, a thoracentesis may be performed in the evening. This is a procedure in which a medical needle is placed in the pleural cavity to remove any remaining air or fluid.