In a condition known as pleurisy, there is excess fluid in the pleural space. How would you expect this to affect the process of pulmonary ventilation? In a condition known as pleurisy, there is excess fluid in the pleural space. How would you expect this to affect the process of pulmonary ventilation? Ventilation would require less energy. Tidal volume would increase. Breathing would be labored and difficult. It would be easier to expand the lungs on inspiration. More air would be forced out during expiration.