The most common symptoms of pleural effusion are shortness of breath and chest pain caused by the pleural effusion compressing the lungs. Cough also can occur. There may be fever with empyema .
Pleural effusion can occur as a complication after heart surgery.
Some medications may produce drug-induced lupus. This is a chronic inflammatory syndrome that can manifest as pleurisy, pleural effusion and other conditions. The syndrome usually goes away after the drug that causes the problem is withdrawn. Find a pulmonologist near you. Join a live chat or threaded forum.