Question: What are the four types of fluid retention? The master said: There is persistent fluid retention (1), pleural fluid retention, subcutaneous fluid retention, and thoracic fluid retention. Question: How are the four types of fluid retention different? The master said: If a person was once robust but is now thin, and water moves through the intestines with a gurgling sound, it is called persistent fluid retention. If after drinking, water flows under the ribs, causing pain when coughing or spitting, it is called pleural fluid retention. If water flows and accumulates in the limbs, and sweat should be released but is not, causing body aches and heaviness, it is called subcutaneous fluid retention. If there is coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, inability to lie down, and a swollen appearance, it is called thoracic fluid retention.
