What type of wheezing is commonly associated with pleural effusion?

Inspiratory wheezing is associated with pleural effusion because the presence of fluid in the pleural space can compress the lung tissue and limit its expansion during inhalation. As the affected lung tries to expand, the partially collapsed or fluid-occupied portions can produce a characteristic inspiratory wheeze, which is a high-pitched sound that occurs as air passes through narrowed or obstructed airways during inhalation.

In cases of pleural effusion, the cushioning effect of the fluid can lead to a range of respiratory sounds, but inspiratory wheezing is particularly notable as it indicates that there is interference during inhalation, likely due to restriction from the effusion. This sound is different from other types of wheezing, which may not be directly relevant in this context. Dry wheezing typically indicates inflamed or irritated airways but does not specifically highlight the impact of pleural effusion. Expiratory wheezing is often associated with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where there is obstruction during the exhalation phase, and monophonic wheezing may describe a single, continuous sound often linked to a specific airway obstruction but is less representative of the effects of pleural effusion on breathing mechanics. Therefore,