What is pleurisy?
Pleurisy is a condition in which the pleura becomes inflamed.
Also called pleuritis, pleurisy causes sharp chest pain (pleuritic pain) that worsens during breathing.
One pleural layer of tissue wraps around the outside of the lungs. If you have pleurisy, these tissues swell and become inflamed.
Treatment of pleurisy involves pain control and treating the underlying condition.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of pleurisy might include:
- Chest pain that worsens when you breathe, cough or sneeze
- Shortness of breath
- A cough — only in some cases
- A fever — only in some cases
Pain caused by pleurisy might worsen with movement of your upper body and can radiate to your shoulders or back.
Pleurisy can be accompanied by pleural effusion, atelectasis or empyema.
When to see a doctor
Call your doctor right away if you experience unexplained, intense chest pain during breathing. You might have a problem with your lungs, heart or pleura or an underlying illness for which you need prompt medical care.
Causes
A variety of underlying conditions can cause pleurisy. Causes include:
- Viral infection
- Bacterial infection
- Fungal infection
- Autoimmune disorder
- Lung cancer near the pleural surface
- Pulmonary embolism
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Rib fracture or trauma
- Certain inherited diseases, such as sickle cell disease
- Certain medications
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pleurisy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351863
