Since a pleural effusion is a complication of another illness, the risk factors that increase your chance of getting this condition are those of the underlying causes: (also mentioned above)
- Heart failure
- Pneumonia
- Cancers, such as lung, breast, lymphoma, mesothelioma
- Liver disease
- Connective tissue diseases (rheumatic heart disease, arthritis)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Radiation therapy
- Tuberculosis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Pregnancy, recent delivery
In general, pleural effusions occur more frequently in adults than in children.
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