What Is Pleurisy?

Pleurisy is a respiratory condition in which the double membrane that lines and protects the lungs and chest cavity, called the pluera, becomes inflamed. The pleura is responsible for protecting and lubricating the lungs as they inflate and deflate. When inflammation occurs, the pleura begin to rub against each other, causing pain.

Symptoms

Pain is the most bothersome symptom of pleurisy. It occurs when inhaling or exhaling, but the pain disappears between breaths. Other symptoms include a dry cough, shortness of breath and sometimes a fever or chills.

Causes

Pleurisy can be caused by viral infections such as the flu, bacterial infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, and some autoimmune disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. In rare cases, it develops as a result of chest injuries and drug interactions.

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose pleurisy by using a stethoscope to listen to the sound of a patient's breathing. One of the classic signs of pleurisy is when the doctor can hear the pleura scraping against one another. People with pleurisy may also have other abnormal breathing sounds. Other diagnostic tools include blood tests, x-rays and testing some of the pleural fluid.

Treatment

To treat pleurisy, the condition that caused the problem must be effectively treated. Antibiotics and other medications are typically prescribed to treat pleurisy caused by infections. Painkillers can be used to treat the pain from the condition. In cases of severe fluid build-up in the chest cavity, the fluid can be drained.

Duration

Pleurisy results from another, underlying condition, so people will feel the effects of pleurisy until that is resolved. In the case of pleurisy caused by infections such as pneumonia, people should start seeing relief withing a few days, when antibiotics start to fight the infection.