Thoracentesis is a procedure that removes fluid or air from the lungs. The pleural space is reached by passing a needle through the chest wall. The narrow space that exists between the inner chest wall and the lung’s pleura is known as the pleural space. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs. A small amount of fluid exists inside the gap. The fluid keeps the pleura from grinding together when you breathe. Pleural effusion refers to the presence of excess fluid in the pleural space. Breathing becomes more difficult because the lungs are unable to expand to their full capacity. Pain and dyspnea may result from this. Physical activity may exacerbate these problems.<br
Why is Thoracentesis Done?
Thoracentesis is performed for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes or both, that is, to improve your symptoms that are related to fluid buildup around your lungs or to obtain a sample of this fluid. Common reasons to have thoracentesis done include:

Infection: If the healthcare provider believes an individual has an infection (for example, bacterial infection) that leads to a pleural effusion, they will take a sample of the fluid from the individual chest. Several tests on the pleural fluid can assist in determining the reason behind the infection.
Cancer: If cancer is possibly causing pleural effusion, your provider can perform a procedure to obtain some of the fluid and examine it under a microscope for signs of cancer.
Symptom relief: For instance, if you are having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion, your provider can drain some of it to ease your breathing.