An exudate is a type of effusion that has a high cell count and protein content. It is often associated with [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]] in the body cavities because changes to the endothelium during this process allow protein-rich fluid to escape from the vasculature and because leucocytes migrate out to the site of disease. As with any type of inflammation, the exudate may occur in response to a bacterial infection ('''septic''') or it may be sterile ('''non-septic'''). The presence of infection and purulent material in the chest cavity is termed '''pyothorax'''. Commons causes of exudates are: | An exudate is a type of effusion that has a high cell count and protein content. It is often associated with [[Inflammation - Pathology|inflammation]] in the body cavities because changes to the endothelium during this process allow protein-rich fluid to escape from the vasculature and because leucocytes migrate out to the site of disease. As with any type of inflammation, the exudate may occur in response to a bacterial infection ('''septic''') or it may be sterile ('''non-septic'''). The presence of infection and purulent material in the chest cavity is termed '''pyothorax'''. Commons causes of exudates are: |