Description:
Pleurisy occurs when the double membrane (pleura) that lines the chest cavity and surrounding each of the lungs become inflamed. Pleurisy is also called pleuritis, pleurisy typically causes sharp pain, almost always occur when taking a breath. Pleurisy occurs as a complication of various underlying conditions. Reducing pleurisy involves treating the underlying condition, if known, and taking pain relievers.
Phenomenon
Signs and symptoms of pleurisy may include:
- Chest pain when inhaling and exhaling
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Fever and chills, depending on the cause
Treatment
The most important goal in relieving pleurisy or pleural effusion is treatment of conditions that cause the signs and symptoms. For example, if the cause of pleurisy is a bacterial infection of the lungs (pneumonia), antibiotics to control infection. But, for pleurisy due to viral infection, antibiotics will be ineffective. Most viral infections heal by itself without treatment.
Pleurisy occurs when the double membrane (pleura) that lines the chest cavity and surrounding each of the lungs become inflamed. Pleurisy is also called pleuritis, pleurisy typically causes sharp pain, almost always occur when taking a breath. Pleurisy occurs as a complication of various underlying conditions. Reducing pleurisy involves treating the underlying condition, if known, and taking pain relievers.
Phenomenon
Signs and symptoms of pleurisy may include:
- Chest pain when inhaling and exhaling
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Fever and chills, depending on the cause
Treatment
The most important goal in relieving pleurisy or pleural effusion is treatment of conditions that cause the signs and symptoms. For example, if the cause of pleurisy is a bacterial infection of the lungs (pneumonia), antibiotics to control infection. But, for pleurisy due to viral infection, antibiotics will be ineffective. Most viral infections heal by itself without treatment.
