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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Intestinal Obstruction

Unknown
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Pleural Effusion

Unknown
3
Symptoms
3
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction occurs when food, fluid or digestive contents cannot move normally through the intestine. The blockage may be partial or complete and can occur in the small or large intestine. It may cause abdominal pain or cramping, swelling, vomiting, constipation and inability to pass gas. A complete obstruction can become a medical emergency because it may damage the intestine.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue surrounding the lungs. It may occur because of heart failure, infection, inflammation, cancer, liver or kidney disease, or other conditions. The amount of fluid and its underlying cause determine the symptoms and treatment needed.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Blood In Vomit Constipation Lower Abdominal Pain
Only in Right Disease
Chest Pain Coughing Blood Pain Radiating To Jaw

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Inflammation
Only in Right Disease
Alcohol Obesity Smoking

Diagnosis

Intestinal Obstruction
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination and imaging. Healthcare professionals may listen for changes in bowel sounds and examine the abdomen for swelling or tenderness. Abdominal X-rays, CT scans or other imaging tests can help identify the location and cause of a blockage. Blood tests may be used to assess dehydration, infection or other complications.
Pleural Effusion
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination, and imaging such as a chest X-ray or ultrasound. When the cause is uncertain, thoracentesis may be performed to remove and analyze pleural fluid. Laboratory testing of the fluid can help distinguish different causes, including infection, inflammation, heart-related fluid buildup, and cancer.

Prevention

Intestinal Obstruction
Not all intestinal obstructions can be prevented. Reducing the risk involves managing conditions that can cause blockage, following medical advice after abdominal surgery and seeking treatment for hernias or other structural problems when recommended. People with inflammatory bowel disease should follow their treatment plan. Prompt medical attention for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas can help prevent complications.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion cannot always be prevented because it often results from another disease. Reducing the risk and complications of conditions that can cause fluid buildup may help. Avoiding tobacco, managing heart, liver, or kidney disease, treating infections appropriately, and seeking medical evaluation for persistent breathing symptoms can help address underlying causes.

Risk Factors

Intestinal Obstruction
Risk factors include previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, hernias, abdominal or intestinal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease and conditions that can cause abnormal intestinal movement. Older adults may have a higher risk of some forms of obstruction. A history of previous intestinal obstruction also increases the chance of recurrence. Risk varies according to the underlying cause.
Pleural Effusion
Risk depends on the underlying cause. Factors associated with pleural effusion include heart, liver, or kidney disease, cancer, infections, lung injury, smoking, alcohol use, and previous exposure to asbestos. The presence of these factors does not necessarily mean that a pleural effusion will develop.

Treatment

Intestinal Obstruction
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Pleural Effusion
Treatment comparison will be available soon.