Pleural Disease Care at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists
The pleura—thin membranes surrounding the lungs—play a crucial role in breathing by allowing smooth movement of the lungs within the chest. However, pleural diseases can cause fluid buildup, inflammation, and breathing difficulties, often linked to infections, heart disease, or environmental exposures.
At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, our team of highly skilled pulmonologists specializes in advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment for pleural conditions. Whether you need fluid drainage, biopsy, or long-term management, we provide expert, patient-centered care to help you breathe easier.
If you’re experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fluid buildup in your lungs, contact us today for an evaluation.
What are Pleural Diseases?
Pleural diseases affect the pleura, which are thin membranes that wrap around the lungs, allowing the lung to move easily as you breathe. Many chest conditions can impact the pleura, leading to fluid accumulation (pleural effusion), inflammation (pleuritis), or thickening (pleural fibrosis).
Common causes of pleural disease include:
- Infections – Pneumonia, tuberculosis, or Valley Fever
- Heart failure – Can lead to fluid buildup around the lungs
- Lung cancer and metastatic disease – May spread to the pleura
- Autoimmune conditions – Such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Asbestos exposure – Linked to pleural thickening and mesothelioma
At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, we focus on proper diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and guide effective treatment.
Symptoms of Pleural Diseases
Pleural diseases can cause a variety of symptoms, often related to fluid accumulation or inflammation. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Shortness of breath – Especially when lying down or active
- Chest pain – Sharp or aching pain that worsens with deep breaths
- Chronic cough – Persistent and dry, often without mucus
- Fatigue and weakness – Resulting from decreased lung function
- Unexplained weight loss and fever – Possible signs of infection or cancer
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact us—early evaluation can help prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.
Pleural Disease Diagnosis
A thorough evaluation is critical to determining the cause of pleural disease. At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess lung health and detect pleural abnormalities. In addition to taking a detailed patient history, we utilize diagnostic tests including:
- Chest X-ray – Initial imaging to detect fluid buildup
- CT scan – Provides a detailed view of the pleura and lungs
- Thoracentesis – A procedure to remove and analyze pleural fluid
- Pleuroscopy – A minimally invasive procedure using a small camera to directly inspect the pleura, perform biopsies, and drain fluid
For patient convenience and comfort, we offer in-office thoracentesis, allowing for quick relief and accurate diagnosis without a hospital visit. Our expert team of pulmonologists are also specially trained to perform pleuroscopy in additional to other invasive procedures.
Treatment of Pleural Disease
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of pleural disease, and our specialists tailor care to each patient’s needs. Common treatment approaches include:
- Medications – Antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory drugs for pleuritis
- Thoracentesis – Drains excess fluid to relieve symptoms
- Pleurodesis – A procedure that fuses the pleural membranes to prevent recurring fluid buildup
- Long-term drainage catheters – For patients with chronic pleural effusions
Our pulmonologists specialize in advanced pleural procedures, ensuring the most effective and least invasive treatment possible.
Why Choose Arizona Pulmonary Specialists?
- Pleural disease experts – Experienced providers specializing in complex pleural conditions
- Advanced diagnostic tools – On-site imaging, thoracentesis, and pleuroscopy for faster, more accurate diagnosis
- Personalized treatment plans – Tailored care to address the root cause of pleural disease
- Coordinated care – Seamless treatment whether you’re in our office or a local hospital
Physicians Specializing in Pleural Diseases
Our team of pulmonary experts, respiratory therapists, and specialized nurses works together to ensure comprehensive, patient-focused care for pleural conditions.
Seth M. Assar, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Seth M. Assar, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic Obstructive...
Reena Bansal, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Reena Bansal, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic Obstructive...
Benjamin Cantrill, D.O.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Benjamin Cantrill, D.O.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Paul Conomos, M.D.
< back to all providersHospital-based providerMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Paul Conomos, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic Obstructive...
Aditya Gupta, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Aditya Gupta, M.D.Provides critical care: To patients with multi-organ system failure or who are on life support At multiple hospitals in the metropolitan...
Michaela Lessler, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Michaela Lessler, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Ewa Lupa-Laskus, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Ewa Lupa-Laskus, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Sean Marco, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Sean Marco, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic Obstructive...
Joshua S. Mason, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Joshua S. Mason, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Akshay Muralidhar, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Akshay Muralidhar, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Nicholas Poponea, D.O.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Nicholas Poponea, D.O.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Harseerat Rataul M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Harseerat Rataul, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Bridgett Ronan, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Bridgett Ronan, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Jonathan D. Ruzi, M.D.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Jonathan D. Ruzi, M.D.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic...
Heemesh Seth, D.O.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Heemesh Seth, D.O.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic Obstructive...
Sandra Till, D.O.
< back to all providersAccepting new patientsMost insurance plans acceptedPhysician referral requiredAbout Sandra Till, D.O.Provides care for a wide range of pulmonary diseases, including: Asthma Bronchiectasis Chronic Bronchitis Chronic Cough Chronic Obstructive...
Schedule an appointment
Looking for a physician with expertise in lung and infectious diseases? We’re here to help.
Reach out
We’ll match you with the right provider for your healthcare needs.
Visit us
Come in for a physical evaluation and discussion your health concerns.
Get started
Begin your personalized patient care plan to achieve better health.