Serositis is an inflammation of the lining of organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It is a symptom of various inflammatory diseases such as Crohn’s disease, lupus, and juvenile arthritis. Treatment depends on the underlying disorder.
Serositis is the medical term for an inflammation of the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen and abdominal organs. The tissues that make up the linings of these parts of the body are called serous tissues and form sacs around these important organs. Another important function of these tissues is the secretion of lubricating fluid. The symptoms of this condition are usually seen alongside others in sufferers of various serious inflammatory diseases and can cause significant discomfort or pain.
There are a number of diseases in which serositis is a diagnostic or commonly occurring symptom. These include Crohn’s disease, lupus, familial Mediterranean fever and juvenile arthritis. All of these are largely inflammatory diseases and acute or chronic serositis can occur.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the intestines caused by an autoimmune response. Abdominal serositis is a key symptom of this disease. Sometimes, the condition also causes inflammation of the lining of the lungs or lung sacs.
Symptoms of inflammation in lupus commonly take the form of pericarditis, inflammation of the heart membrane, or pleurisy, which is inflammation of the lung sacs. Chest pains usually occur in both cases. One or both of these types of inflammation are usually seen in nearly half of lupus patients and are some of the most prominent indicator symptoms of the disease, although medical professionals typically rule out other root causes before making a diagnosis.
In familial Mediterranean fever, inflammation can occur in the lungs, heart, abdomen, or all three. This inherited disease causes attacks of acute inflammation that can be very painful and can last for several days at a time, usually accompanied by a rise in temperature. Abdominal attacks are known to be misdiagnosed as appendicitis, resulting in unnecessary removal of the appendix.
Even juvenile arthritis can be accompanied by symptoms. This is usually seen particularly in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a painful condition characterized by arthritis with recurring fever and skin rashes. In severe cases, internal organs can become inflamed, leading to pericarditis and other serious inflammation.
Treatment of serositis usually depends heavily on the underlying disorder of which it is a presenting symptom. Anti-inflammatory drugs, along with pain medications, may be used to relieve symptoms. In some cases, steroids may be prescribed.
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