First thing you do is to get the chest x-ray done. The Consult a physician and show him the chest x-ray. If chest x-ray confirms the presence of water, get immediately the ultrasound examination of chest done. If the amount of water collected is between 400 to 500ml millilitres, this water in the chest needs evacuation through syringe-needle under ultrasound or CT- guide. Never allow evacuation of water without the guidance of ultrasound machine, otherwise problem of massive bleeding may occur sometimes.
Dr. K. K. Pandey is a Senior Consultant in Thoracic & Endothoracic Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, with 30+ years’ experience in lung cancer surgery, chest tumors, pleural diseases, VATS, esophageal surgery and minimally invasive thoracic procedures. He is also a dedicated health writer and educator.