Pleurisy
Pleurisy
What is pleurisy?
Pleurisy is swelling (inflammation) of the thin layers of tissue (pleura) covering the lungs and the chest wall. In young, healthy people, a viral infection of the lower respiratory system or pneumonia may cause the inflammation and pleurisy.
Other causes of pleurisy include air leaking into the pleural cavity from a hole in a lung (pneumothorax), injury to the chest (such as a broken rib), tuberculosis or other infections, or a tumor in the pleura. Pleurisy caused by a virus usually lasts a few days to 2 weeks.
Common symptoms of pleurisy include:
- Stabbing chest pain that starts fairly suddenly. Pain may increase when the person breathes in. A person with pleurisy may try to avoid severe pain by not breathing in deeply. This may cause rapid, shallow breathing. Pain may spread to a shoulder or the belly.
- Coughing.
- Fever.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and ibuprofen (such as Motrin and Advil), may help relieve the pain caused by pleurisy and may reduce fever. Treatment of pleurisy depends on the cause.
Appointment Information
To make an appointment for evaluation of your lung or breathing issue, call us at 888-287-1084.
What are the symptoms of pleurisy?
Pleurisy causes chest pain and breathing problems. The sharp pain often starts suddenly and worsens with breathing. It's usually on one side of the chest and can spread to the shoulder or belly. Coughing, sneezing, or changing positions can worsen the pain. Pain may ease when you hold your breath or press the area.
How is pleurisy diagnosed?
Many different health problems can lead to pleurisy, so your doctor will look for what is causing your inflammation. The doctor will do a physical exam and tests, such as a chest X-ray, blood tests, or a CT scan, to look for the cause of your symptoms. The conditions that may cause pleuritic chest pain include:
- Viral infections.
- Chest muscle strain.
- Rib fracture.
- Blood clots in the blood vessels of the lung (pulmonary embolism).
- Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis).
- Pneumonia.
- Tuberculosis.
- Fluid in the pleura (pleural effusion).
If your doctor thinks your pleurisy may be caused by an autoimmune disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests may be done.
If you have pleural effusion, your doctor may use a needle to remove some of the fluid from the pleura. This procedure is called thoracentesis. The fluid is then studied, to help your doctor find out the cause of the effusion.
How is pleurisy treated?
Treatment depends on what's causing the pleurisy. It may include medicine. For example, bacterial infections need antibiotics, while blood clots may need anticoagulants. You might take medicine to relieve pain. Treatment may include a procedure. For example, if there's fluid around your lungs, the fluid may need to be drained.
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