Pleuritis

Pleuritis, also known as pleurisy, is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs. There are many possible causes of pleuritis but viral infections spreading from the lungs to the pleura are the most common. The inflamed pleural layers rub against each other every time the lungs expand to breathe in air. This can cause sharp pain when breathing, also known as pleuritic chest pain.

Causes

Pleuritis may occur as a result of many conditions, including:

• Viral infections, which are the most common cause
• Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis
• Chest injuries
• Pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the arteries of the lungs
• Lung cancer or lymphoma
• Other diseases that can cause pleuritis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and liver cirrhosis.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of pleuritis is a sharp, stabbing chest pain. This pain can be aggravated by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath and a dry cough.

Diagnosis

Pleuritis is diagnosed based on the patient's history and physical examination. The doctor may also order imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or a CT scan to look for signs of inflammation or other abnormalities in the lungs. In some cases, a biopsy of the pleura may be needed to determine the cause of the inflammation.

Treatment

Treatment for pleuritis depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. If the cause is a viral infection, the body will usually clear the infection on its own. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve the chest pain. In severe cases, the doctor may recommend a procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space.

See also

• Pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax
• Pericarditis

Pleuritis Resources
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