Thoracentesis

Pleural Tap

How It Feels

When you are given the shot to numb your skin at the needle site, you will feel a sharp stinging or burning sensation that lasts a few seconds. When the needle is inserted into the chest wall, you may again feel a sharp pain for a few seconds.

When the pleural fluid is removed, you may feel a sense of "pulling" or pressure in your chest. Tell your doctor or nurse if you feel faint or if you have any shortness of breath, chest pain, or uncontrollable cough.

If a large amount of pleural fluid was removed during the procedure, you will probably be able to breathe more easily.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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