From cough to collapse: Identifying pleural red flags

Pleural effusion and pneumothorax are common presentations of chest pain, cough and breathlessness in primary care.

Learning objectives and outcomes include:

• Confidently identify the red flags of pleural disease, differentiating between urgent and non-urgent presentations.
• Interpret relevant chest examination findings and recognise when to order investigations.
• Outline the appropriate referral pathways for patients with suspected pleural pathology.
• Provide clear patient education and follow-up plans related to pleural conditions.