Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, often caused by other medical problems such as pneumonia, viral or bacterial infections, and autoimmune diseases. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and chills. Diagnosis involves medical tests such as a blood test, chest X-ray, and thoracentesis. Treatment depends on the cause, and may involve antibiotics, NSAIDs, and rest. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for drainage of excessive fluid buildup.
Pleurisy, also called pleurisy, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pleura. The pleura is a membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This condition often occurs as a complication of other medical problems, such as pneumonia, autoimmune diseases, and a variety of viral and bacterial infections.
Some conditions that can lead to pleurisy include the flu or other acute viral infections. Pneumonia that affects the surface of the pleura can also cause it. Other possible conditions include tuberculosis and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and autoimmune hepatitis. Some patients develop it due to a pulmonary embolism, which is a clot in one of the pulmonary arteries.
Pleurisy causes severe pain in the patient’s chest when inhaling or exhaling. Pain also occurs during coughing, which is a common symptom of the condition. Other common pleurisy symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, and chills. If fluid builds up inside the chest cavity, patients may also experience cyanosis, which is a blue skin color. They may also suffer from tachypnea or rapid breathing.
If a doctor suspects a patient may have pleurisy, they will typically begin the diagnostic process by listening to the patient’s breathing with a stethoscope. To confirm the condition, your doctor may order medical tests. Some tests used to diagnose pleurisy include a blood test, chest X-ray, and thoracentesis. Thoracocentesis is a simple procedure in which the doctor withdraws fluid from the chest cavity area. The fluid can then be tested to determine the underlying cause of the condition.
Treatment for pleurisy will depend on the specific cause of the condition. If a bacterial infection is to blame, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. However, viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, so in this case the virus may simply need to run its course.
A doctor may, however, recommend certain medications to relieve symptoms. Patients may consider taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen. If the patient suffers from severe cough and pain, the doctor may prescribe codeine to control these symptoms. Patients may also be advised to consume liquids, such as water or hot tea. They should also avoid heavy lifting and get plenty of rest.
In some cases, pleurisy can cause excessive fluid buildup. For patients with this condition, the doctor will likely recommend hospitalization. It may take several days for the fluid to drain completely from the chest cavity. Drainage is done with a drainage tube inserted into the chest.
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