Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs Pleural effusionUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewPleural effusion occurs when fluid builds up between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and the chest cavity.SymptomsSymptoms include sharp chest pain, a cough, or shortness of breath.TreatmentsTreatments include removal of the fluid, antibiotics, and water pills (diuretics). © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use