Non-surgical Conservative non-surgical treatment of<unk>  is generally done by treating its underlying cause and is reserved for milder cases. Tobacco smoking cessation is strongly recommended since tobacco smoke exposure can worsen fibrosis. Severe cases of<unk>  may require supportive mechanical ventilation if the affected person is unable to breathe adequately on their own. In cases of<unk>  caused by medication, it is recommended that the offending medications be stopped. Ergot alkaloid medications, which can worsen pleural fibrosis, are typically avoided. Cases of<unk>  attributable to medication typically stop worsening if the provoking medication is stopped. In some situations, medication-induced<unk>  improves after stopping the causative medication but<unk>  usually does not completely resolve. Watchful waiting is appropriate for milder cases of<unk>  in certain situations.<unk>  caused by tuberculosis, empyema, or haemothorax often improves spontaneously 3–6 months after the precipitating illness. Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat<unk>  but are not well-supported by available evidence. Surgical In severe cases of<unk>  that are compromising a person's ability to breathe, the scar tissue (fibrous peel) causing<unk>  can be surgically removed using a technique called decortication. However, surgical decortication is an invasive procedure which carries the risk of complications including a small risk of death, and is therefore generally only considered if severe symptoms are present and have been for many months. Surgical decortication is generally considered for people with<unk> es that are severe, causing significant shortness of breath, and have otherwise relatively healthy lungs since this enhances the likelihood of a better outcome. Surgical removal of the pleura (pleurectomy) may be performed in refractory cases, as often happens when asbestosis is the cause.
Fibrothorax
Hydrothorax
Urinothorax
Pleurisy
Chylothorax
Hemothorax
Pleural empyema
Pneumothorax