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Pleurisy
Medical Questions » Pleurisy
| Name: Pleurisy |
| Also known as: Pleuritis |
| Infection (pleurisy) or inflammation (pleuritis) of the pleura (a smooth, slippery, shiny membrane that lines the inside of the chest cavity) which allows the lung to move freely within the chest as it contracts and
expands with every breath. The pleura is covered with a very thin layer of fluid that acts as a lubricant. |
Causes of Pleurisy
Occurs with viral infections of the chest, a fractured rib that damages the pleura, and bacterial infections associated with acute bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis. |
Symptoms of Pleurisy
Severe pain that can often be localized to one point on the chest or back and is worse with breathing, sneezing, coughing, laughing or any movement of the chest. |
Tests for Pleurisy
Chest X-ray may show area of fluid accumulation or inflammation. |
Treatment for Pleurisy
Viral and inflammatory pleurisy will settle with rest and minor pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs (eg. indomethacin). Bacterial pleurisy associated with pneumonia requires antibiotics and stronger pain-killers.
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Complications of Pleurisy of its treatment
Pleural effusion. |
Likely Outcome of Pleurisy
Good, but depends on underlying cause. |
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