Pleural disease can be fatal and takes many forms, including pleural effusion, pleurisy, and lung cancer. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing. Seeking medical help promptly is important.
The lungs are a delicate organ that controls the body’s intake of oxygen. Inside the lungs and throughout the chest cavity, a membranous lining called the pleura helps protect this vital organ from damage. Pleural disease can take many forms and can be easily treated or potentially fatal. Understanding the risks and signs of different types of pleural disease can help people assess their level of risk and be prepared to act quickly in the event of an emergency or developing disease.
Pleural effusion is one of the most common signs of pleural disease. This condition occurs when fluid, such as blood or other body fluids, begins to fill the lungs. Pleural effusion can quickly cause breathing problems, numbness, or temporary paralysis on the affected side of the body. While a cause for concern in itself, pleural effusion is usually a symptom of another condition.
There are two types of pleural effusion. Exudate effusion occurs due to a related pleural disease, such as a bacterial or viral infection, cancer, or asbestosis. Transudative effusions tend to be caused by a systemic failure affecting the lungs, often a heart problem. Congenital heart failure or liver failure such as cirrhosis are common causes of transudate pleural effusion.
An infection in the lungs can lead to a pleural disease known as pleurisy. Caused by pneumonia, viral and fungal infections, and other forms of lung disease, pleurisy is the result of inflammation in the membrane tissue that causes pain when breathing. Patients with pleurisy are often treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and medications to treat the underlying condition or infection.
Some lung cancers primarily attack the pleura and are often classified as pleural diseases. Babies and children are sometimes affected by a malignant tumor called pleuropulmonary blastoma. This recently discovered cancer often presents as a constant cough and trouble breathing. Adults are more commonly prone to other forms of cancer-related pleural disease, such as malignant mesothelioma. These cancers are often associated with asbestos exposure and are sometimes treatable through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Pleural disease in all its forms is potentially dangerous and often painful. Most conditions are characterized by chest pain when breathing, as well as shortness of breath or frequent coughing. A person experiencing any of these symptoms may want to seek medical help as soon as possible. Since many forms of pleural disease are caused by untreated infections and diseases, it is in the patient’s best interest to address even minor diseases promptly.
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