Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, usually caused by a lung infection; characterized by sharp chest pain Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is a condition in which the pleura, the two-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the inside of the chest cavity, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Pleurisy can be caused by various factors, such as viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, lung cancer, rib fractures, or pulmonary embolism.

Pleurisy and pneumothorax

Symptoms

The primary symptom of pleurisy is a sharp, stabbing chest pain that is typically felt on one side of the chest and may worsen when taking a deep breath, coughing, or sneezing. Other possible symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Dry cough
• Fever and chills (if caused by an infection)

Causes

Pleurisy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Viral infections (most common cause)
• Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Lung cancer or other cancers that spread to the pleura
• Rib fractures
• Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung)

Diagnosis

To diagnose pleurisy, a healthcare provider will begin by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. They may listen to the patient's breathing using a stethoscope, as pleurisy can produce a distinctive "rubbing" sound as the inflamed layers of the pleura move against each other.

Additional tests may be ordered to help determine the underlying cause of pleurisy, such as:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Blood tests
• Pleural fluid analysis

Treatment

Treatment for pleurisy depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Some possible treatments include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and pain
• Corticosteroids for autoimmune-related pleurisy
• Treatment of the underlying condition, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer-related pleurisy
• Oxygen therapy for those with difficulty breathing
• Thoracentesis, a procedure to remove excess fluid from the pleural space, in cases of pleural effusion (fluid buildup between the pleura layers)
• It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan based on the specific cause and severity of the pleurisy.

Prevention

Preventing pleurisy involves addressing its underlying causes. Some general measures to reduce the risk of pleurisy include:

• Getting vaccinated against infections that can cause pleurisy, such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Practicing good hygiene, including frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory infections
• Seeking prompt medical attention for respiratory infections or other conditions that can lead to pleurisy
• Regularly monitoring and managing chronic health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or heart failure, that may contribute to pleurisy
• Avoiding exposure to environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke and air pollution, which can cause lung inflammation

Pleurisy Resources
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