Prayers poured in for the legendary actor Dilip Kumar as his fans and followers were informed of his hospitalisation in Mumbai due to breathlessness Sunday morning. The information was confirmed by the actor’s verified Twitter account – handled by his manager – which read, “Dilip Sahab has been admitted to non-COVID PD Hinduja Hospital Khar for routine tests and investigations. He’s had episodes of breathlessness. A team of healthcare workers led by Dr. Nitin Gokhale is attending to him. Please keep Sahab in your prayers and please stay safe.” Later Dilip Kumar was reportedly diagnosed with bilateral pleural effusion.
Even though the Twitter handle briefed about his current situation assuring his well-wishers that the 98-year-old actor was undergoing routine tests and investigations after the complaint of breathlessness, the WhatsApp groups went active with messages of speculations on his health. To end these unfounded conjectures, the actor’s Twitter handle manager published another post saying, “Don’t believe in WhatsApp forwards. Saab is stable. Thank you for your heartfelt duas and prayers. As per doctors, he should be home in 2-3 days. Insh’Allah.”
The information came as a big relief for the veteran actor’s admirers. Though later media reports claimed that Dilip Kumar has been diagnosed with bilateral pleural effusion along with a drop in oxygen saturation due to he has been put on oxygen support.
What is bilateral pleural effusion?
In simple terms, pleural effusion is called ‘fluid in the chest’. So bilateral pleural effusion simply means the build-up of excess fluid in both right and left lungs. Pleura are the thin membranes that cover the lungs and the inner layer of the chest cavity. It normally has a small amount of liquid which functions as a lubricant and helps in smooth breathing.
What causes bilateral pleural effusion?
Normally, pleural effusion develops due to inflammation or infection and the excess fluid begins to accumulate in the chest cavity. The cause could be anything from minor respiratory or abdominal to any inflammatory disease. Breathlessness, chest pain, and dry cough are the usual symptoms of the health condition.
How can pleural effusion be diagnosed?
Chest X-ray, CT scan and Ultrasound of the chest, and pleural fluid analysis are the common tests and methods to diagnose pleural effusion.
Is bilateral pleural effusion serious?
That depends on the seriousness of the condition and the cause of the pleural effusion. Infection and inflammation arising from pneumonia or normal viral condition can be effectively treated.
How can pleural effusion be treated?
That again depends on the condition of the patient. In normal cases, fluid collecting in the chest cavity is drained through a chest tube.
Actor Dilip Kumar is stable in hospital: Reports
Amid the widespread concerns for his health, it is relieving for Dilip Kumar’s fans that he is reportedly stable in the hospital and responding well to the treatment. Media reports claim he is not in ICU and may be discharged in 2-3 days. According to reports, the actor was admitted to the hospital for his regular checkup last month also. He was discharged two days later.
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