HomeAnswersPediatricslung infection

What causes pleural infection in my 4-year-old daughter?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My daughter has a pleural infection in the lungs. When she was two years old, decortication was done by open surgery. Now she is four years old. Three days back, she got a fever. Though after taking the antibiotic, her fever subsided, the X-ray report showed mild cardiomegaly with bilateral perihilar congestion.

Is there again a chance for fluid to get gathered inside her lungs?

What should we do for the same?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepak Patel is a well-experienced Pediatrician with 17 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from the University of Delhi in 2007 and MD in Pediatrics from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, in 2010. He is currently working at Laxmi Nagar in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concerns.

Pleural fluid collection occurs when infection persists for a long time and is not responding to antibiotics. Pleural fluid collection in the past does not increase the chances of collection at a later age.

This time, X-ray (attachment removed to protect patient identity) shows mild cardiomegaly and perihilar congestion. This is not related in any way to lung infection and fluid collection.

I suggest you do an echocardiogram to see the cause of cardiomegaly. Further treatment will depend on the echocardiography report.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At February 27, 2016
Reviewed At February 24, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepak Patel is a well-experienced Pediatrician with 17 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from the University of Delhi in 2007 and MD in Pediatrics from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, in 2010. He is currently working at Laxmi Nagar in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

2,388Visits prepared today
4.8/5User rating
~60 secAverage completion time
Companion

Pleural Infection in Children with Cardiomegaly Companion

How it works

Pleural infection, also known as empyema, is a serious condition where pus collects in the space between the lung and the chest wall. It often occurs as a complication of pneumonia. Understanding this condition is key to managing your child's health.

1

Pleural
Infection

2

Causes
Risk

3

Common
Symptoms

4

How
Diagnosed

5

Treatment
Options

6

Understanding
Cardiomegaly

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Deepak Patel is a well-experienced Pediatrician with 17 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from the University of Delhi in 2007 and MD in Pediatrics from the University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, in 2010. He is currently working at Laxmi Nagar in Delhi.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.