What it means
Effusions are named for where they collect. A pleural effusion is fluid between the layers around the lungs, a pericardial effusion is fluid in the sac around the heart, a joint effusion is fluid in a swollen joint, and a middle ear effusion is fluid behind the eardrum. Fluid may be drained with a needle to relieve pressure or to test it.
At a glance
| Spanish | derrame |
|---|---|
| Also written | effusions |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart.
serous
Thin, watery and clear to pale yellow, like the fluid part of blood.