What is thoracentesis primarily performed to treat?

Thoracentesis is primarily performed to treat pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle through the chest wall into the pleural cavity to remove the fluid. The purpose of thoracentesis is not only to alleviate symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain caused by the fluid buildup but also to obtain a sample of the pleural fluid for diagnostic purposes. Analyzing the fluid can help identify the underlying cause of the pleural effusion, whether it be infection, malignancy, or heart failure.

Other conditions listed, such as pneumonia, atelectasis, and bronchitis, are not the primary targets for thoracentesis. While fluid buildup can complicate pneumonia or be secondary to other respiratory conditions, thoracentesis is specifically indicated for managing pleural effusions.