What are the natural remedies for pleurisy? How can one ease pleurisy symptoms at home? What are the causes and symptoms of pleurisy?

Understanding Pleurisy: Causes and Symptoms

Pleurisy is a condition that occurs when the pleura, the double-layered membrane covering the lungs and lining the rib cage, becomes inflamed. Normally, there is a thin layer of lubricating fluid between the two pleural layers, allowing them to glide smoothly during breathing. However, when the pleura becomes inflamed, the two layers rub against each other, causing a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing.

The main causes of pleurisy include pneumonia, tuberculosis, chest injuries, certain medications, and other underlying health conditions. In addition to the distinctive chest pain, pleurisy can also cause a dry cough, shallow breathing, and sometimes fever.

Natural Remedies for Pleurisy Relief

While it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, there are several natural remedies that can help ease the symptoms of pleurisy at home. Let’s explore some of these options:

1. Astragalus

Astragalus is a herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system and treat respiratory ailments. The polysaccharides in astragalus possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help alleviate pleurisy symptoms. You can make an astragalus root tea by steeping one teaspoon of the dried root in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then straining and sipping the tea 2-4 times daily.

2. Selenium

Selenium is a vital nutrient for the proper functioning of the immune system. Studies have shown that patients with tuberculosis-related pleurisy have lower levels of selenium compared to healthy individuals. Increasing your intake of selenium-rich foods, such as liver, fish, brazil nuts, and sunflower seeds, or taking a selenium supplement (if deficient) may help support your body’s fight against pleurisy.

3. Capsicum

Capsicum, found in bell peppers, chili peppers, and hot peppers, has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in treating pleurisy. Capsicum also helps to clear congested mucous membranes in the nose and lungs, aiding the immune system’s response to bacteria and viruses.

4. Pleurisy Root

Pleurisy root is a medicinal plant that has traditionally been used to treat various lung and respiratory conditions, including pleurisy. It is believed to help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with pleurisy, as well as open the airways and treat conditions like bronchitis, colds, pneumonia, and the flu. To make a pleurisy root tea, steep one teaspoon of the dried root in a cup of boiling water for 30 minutes, then strain and drink.

Other Natural Remedies for Pleurisy

In addition to the above-mentioned remedies, there are several other natural approaches that may help alleviate pleurisy symptoms:

5. Ginger

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can be consumed as a tea or added to meals to help reduce the discomfort associated with pleurisy.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory spice, may also be beneficial in managing pleurisy symptoms. You can add turmeric to your meals or take it in supplement form.

7. Bromelain

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce the pain and swelling associated with pleurisy.

8. Garlic

Garlic is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent that can support the immune system and potentially aid in the treatment of pleurisy.

9. Rest and Relaxation

Ensuring adequate rest and relaxation can also help alleviate the discomfort of pleurisy. Avoid strenuous activities and try to minimize coughing and deep breathing, which can exacerbate the pain.

Remember, while these natural remedies may provide relief, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as pleurisy can be a symptom of an underlying condition. Combining natural approaches with conventional medical care can often lead to the most effective management of pleurisy.

Key Takeaways

• Pleurisy is a condition caused by inflammation of the pleura, the membrane covering the lungs and lining the rib cage.
• Common symptoms of pleurisy include sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing, as well as a dry cough, shallow breathing, and sometimes fever.
• Natural remedies like astragalus, selenium, capsicum, and pleurisy root can help ease the symptoms of pleurisy at home.
• Other natural approaches, such as ginger, turmeric, bromelain, and garlic, may also provide relief.
• Combining natural remedies with proper medical care is the best way to manage pleurisy effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ease the chest pain of pleurisy?

To help ease the chest pain associated with pleurisy, you can try natural remedies like astragalus, selenium, capsicum, and pleurisy root. These herbs and nutrients have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can help reduce the discomfort.

What causes pleurisy, and who is at risk?

Pleurisy is primarily caused by conditions that lead to inflammation of the pleura, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, chest injuries, certain medications, and other underlying health problems. Individuals with these conditions or a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of developing pleurisy.

Can pleurisy be treated at home?

Yes, while it’s important to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment, there are several natural remedies that can be used to help ease the symptoms of pleurisy at home. These include herbs, supplements, and lifestyle modifications like rest and relaxation.

How long does pleurisy typically last?

The duration of pleurisy can vary depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of the treatment. In some cases, pleurisy may resolve within a few days to a week with proper management. However, if the underlying condition is not properly addressed, the pleurisy symptoms may persist or recur.

Can pleurisy lead to any long-term complications?

If left untreated or if the underlying condition is not properly managed, pleurisy can potentially lead to complications such as pleural effusion (buildup of fluid between the pleural layers), empyema (pus in the pleural space), or even lung collapse. It’s important to seek medical attention to prevent these complications.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help manage pleurisy?

Yes, in addition to natural remedies, making certain lifestyle changes can also help manage pleurisy symptoms. These include getting plenty of rest, avoiding activities that exacerbate the chest pain, and maintaining good respiratory hygiene (e.g., avoiding smoke, dust, and other irritants).

Can pleurisy be prevented?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent pleurisy, taking steps to maintain a healthy immune system and addressing any underlying conditions that may lead to pleurisy can help reduce the risk. This includes getting vaccinated against diseases like pneumonia, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing good hygiene.

These 5 Home Treatments Can Help You Ease Pleurisy Symptoms | by Oloxir

5 min read

·

Sep 25, 2016

Can you guess the one thing you have in common with George Washington and Mahatma Ghandi? Yep. The former two suffered from pleurisy as well. And while adding your name to the list of suffers like Keira Knightly and Elvis Presley may have others seeing stars -the symptoms of pleurisy will leave you feeling anything but A-list. In this post, we’ll cover five home treatments to help ease pleurisy symptoms.

Pleurisy is caused when the double-layered membrane that covers the lungs and lines the rib cage (pleura), becomes inflamed. The pleura protects the lung surface as it inflates and deflates within our rib cage. Normally, there is a narrow gap filled with a lubricating fluid between the two layers. This allows the two surfaces to gently glide past each other. When the pleura becomes inflamed, lubrication is impaired and the two layers rub against each other. This friction is intensified with breathing, coughing or sneezing, resulting in a sharp pain.

In addition to dry cough, shallow breathing due to discomfort and sometimes fever, this sharp chest pain when breathing is the signature symptom of pleurisy.

Pleurisy can be caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis, chest injuries, medications and other diseases present in the body. While the below treatments can help to ease pleurisy symptoms at home, it’s important to see your doctor as pleurisy can result from an underlying illness.

Astragalus

Common in Chinese Medicine, astragalus is used to strengthen the immune system and treat illnesses that range from the common cold to cancer. This herb can increase energy, help balance adrenal output triggered by stress and aid in the treatment of respiratory ailments. Additionally, the polysaccharides found in astragalus provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can aid in the relief of pleurisy. Astragalus is also safe for long term use, making it an ideal option to sip throughout the cold/flu season.

Astragalus Root Tea

To make a tea simply add one teaspoon of dried astragalus root to a cup and pour boiling water over the herb. Let the astragalus root steep for 10–15 minutes and then strain. Sip to enjoy. The tea can be consumed 2–4 times daily as an immune booster to help combat pleurisy. Alternatively, astragalus can also be taken in tablet or capsule form.

Selenium

Studies suggest that selenium is a vital component to help our immune system function as it should. For example, selenium can help to provide white blood cells the nourishment they need to help our bodies fight off infections and illness. Once combined with vitamin E, selenium works as an antioxidant to combat cell damaging free radicals.

Low selenium levels have been associated with an elevated risk of poor immune function. In one study, patients with TB pleurisy where found to have lower levels of selenium than those in the control group.

Research suggests that when it comes to treating pleurisy, getting enough selenium may be an important factor. However, selenium supplementation is only recommended if a deficiency actually exists. Common symptoms of selenium deficiency include: low immunity, constant fatigue, hypothyroidism and brain fog. To determine your current selenium levels, a blood test or hair test can be arranged by your doctor.

One of the easiest ways to increase selenium levels is through natural foods. Natural food sources of selenium include liver, butter, fish, garlic, brazil nuts and sunflower seeds. In addition, selenium can be taken in capsule form. Safe dosage limits can be found here.

Capsicum

Capsicum has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in the treatment of pleurisy. Capsicum also helps to detoxify the body by clearing congested mucous membrane located in the nose and lungs. The vitamin C and vitamin E found in capsicum aids the immune system in combating bacteria and viruses. Capsicum can be found naturally in bell peppers, chili peppers and hot peppers.

Pleurisy Root

Pleurisy root is a medical plant that is historically used to treat all manner of lung and respiratory conditions. Its name stems from -you guessed it- the lung condition pleurisy. This root is used to relieve the pain and inflammation resulting from pleurisy. It’s also used to help open the airways and treat bronchitis, cold, pneumonia and the flu. Expectorant herbs like pleurisy root help to eliminate mucous and loosen phlegm.

Pleurisy Root Tea

To make a tea, place one teaspoon of dried pleurisy root in a cup. Pour one cup of boiling water over the herb and allow the tea to steep for 30 minutes. Strain and sip to enjoy.

Pleurisy root is a medicinal plant which means that there may be drug interactions, particularly with heart medication. Therefore, it’s important to consult with your doctor before use. Do not use this herb if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Olive Leaf

Olive leaf extract is a natural antibiotic that can help the body to ease the discomfort of pleurisy symptoms. The strength of olive leaf lies in oleuropein, one of its active ingredients. Oleuropein has the ability to destroy a wide range of pathogens by breaking down and destroying their cell walls. It’s also an effective anti-inflammatory. In a study conducted on mice with carrageenan-induced pleurisy the use of oleuropein aglycone, an olive oil compound, significantly reduced inflammation.

Olive leaf can be consumed in liquid extract form, capsules or by using the dried leaves to create a soothing tea.

Olive Leaf Tea

To make olive leaf tea, place one teaspoon of dried olive leaf in a cup. Pour one cup of boiling water over the dried herb and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sip to enjoy.

Dr. Weil’s Condition Care Guide

What is pleurisy?
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the thin, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the chest. When these layers become irritated or inflamed, they rub against each other, causing pain when a person breathes.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of pleurisy is chest pain. This pain may be constant, but usually gets worse when a person coughs, moves, or breathes deeply. Occasionally, the pain may spread to the shoulder or the back.
Because pleurisy can cause fluid to collect in the chest, it can also trigger other symptoms, such as:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Cyanosis (a blue discoloration to the skin caused by lack of oxygen in the blood)
• Fever and chills
• Unexplained weight loss

What causes pleurisy?
Pleurisy can develop from several underlying causes. These include:

• Acute viral infection, such as the flu
• Bacterial infections
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Lung cancer
• Other lung diseases, such as sarcoidosis and asbestosis (asbestos-related disease)
• Infection with a fungus or parasite
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
• Reaction to certain medications
• Heart surgery
• Trauma to the chest.

Sometimes, pleurisy has no known cause.
Who is most likely to develop pleurisy?
People with the conditions listed above are more likely to develop pleurisy.
How is pleurisy diagnosed?
Physicians typically diagnose pleurisy by taking a medical history, asking the patient about his or her symptoms, and listening to the patient’s lungs using a stethoscope. Abnormal sounds caused by inflamed pleura rubbing together may signal pleurisy. Other tests used to help diagnose pleurisy include:

• Blood tests
• Chest x-ray or CT scan
• Ultrasound of chest
• Thoracentesis (a procedure in which fluid is removed from the pleura with a needle and tested)

What are the conventional treatments?
Conventional treatment of pleurisy depends on its cause. If the cause is a bacterial infection, the physician will likely prescribe an antibiotic. Viral infections typically clear up on their own and cannot be treated with antibiotics. To ease the pain of pleurisy, the doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or prescribe codeine to relieve both pain and cough. In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized to have chest fluid drained.
What does Dr. Weil recommend to address pleurisy?
In addition to treating the underlying cause and the conventional treatments listed above, Dr. Weil recommends the following natural approaches to help prevent future episodes of pleurisy, especially those following infections:

• Astragalus. Take two tablets or capsules of this immune-boosting herb twice a day or follow package directions. It is safe to take indefinitely.
• Medicinal mushrooms. Choose a formula that contains a blend of immune-boosting mushrooms and follow package directions.
• Consider seeing an osteopath. The manipulation performed by osteopaths may help free up chest motion.
• Traditional Chinese medicine may also help.

Updated by Jeffery Gladd, M.D. on Dec. 5, 2013.

Treatment of pleurisy in a sanatorium in Kislovodsk

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the serous membrane surrounding the lungs. Approximately 5-10% of patients in therapeutic and pulmonological hospitals are diagnosed with pleurisy. Often it is a complication of diseases of the bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular systems.

The pleura consists of two sheets, internal and external, between which the pleural cavity is located. It always contains a certain amount of pleural fluid, which ensures the sliding of the petals and ease of respiratory movements. With pleurisy, the amount of this fluid increases significantly, which complicates breathing.

The causes of pleurisy are various infections, as well as a number of non-infectious diseases: autoimmune, rheumatoid diseases, trauma, post-infarction syndrome and a number of others.

If the disease occurs within 6 months, it is already considered as a chronic form. Chronic pleurisy is difficult to treat and requires an integrated approach, impact on all parts of the pathological process. Therefore, doctors recommend its therapy in a specialized sanatorium, where diseases of the bronchopulmonary system are treated. In particular, in Kislovodsk one of the best such health resorts is rightfully recognized as “Victoria”. When deciding on a trip to a sanatorium, it is necessary to exclude tuberculosis and oncology. They, as well as the stage of exacerbation of the disease, are contraindications to spa treatment.

Treatment in a sanatorium will help with chronic pleurisy, as well as rehabilitation after acute pleurisy.

Symptoms of pleurisy

• Exhausting dry cough;
• Rapid, shallow breathing;
• Pain in the chest, aggravated by coughing, breathing, stooping to the opposite side;
• Forced position of the patient to reduce pain;
• Subfebrile fever, sweating, especially at night.

Treatment Methods

The treatment of chronic inflammation in the sanatorium is carried out in two directions – the actual anti-inflammatory measures are necessarily combined with immunostimulating ones. In the case of a chronic inflammatory process, this is critically important, because it is precisely because of a decrease in the body’s resistance that it is not possible to stop inflammation with the help of pharmacotherapy. It is achieved with the help of a course of mud therapy, balneotherapy, electro-light-laser and magnetotherapy, reflexo-ozone therapy.

Antitussive measures are carried out with the help of speleotherapy, inhalations of medicinal, herbal, oil, aerosol therapy. With their help, the drainage function of the lungs improves, sanitation of the upper respiratory tract is carried out, microcirculation and blood supply to the pleura improves.

Therapeutic exercise, swimming in the pool and massage can improve blood and lymph circulation in the lungs and pleura, and prevent the development of adhesions. This is also facilitated by the famous Kislovodsk health paths, dosed well-maintained hiking trails in the mountains located near Kislovodsk.

Restoration of metabolism, stimulation of regeneration processes help to achieve the maximum effect from treatment in a sanatorium. For this, drinking courses of natural mineral water and specially organized dietary meals are prescribed.

It is important that the treatment takes place in a comfortable, calm atmosphere of a modern resort. In Victoria, the medical building is combined with the residential one, so patients do not need to go outside, which eliminates drafts and hypothermia after the procedures.

Such an integrated approach helps patients to recover as fully as possible after suffering pleurisy, to cure its chronic form.

The recommended course duration is 14-21 days. The minimum is 12 days. Supportive spa courses are recommended to be held annually.

Treatment of pleural lesions at the resort Ust-Kachka

Reserve a room

Sanatorium-and-spa treatment of pleural lesions, unspecified, consists in the complex application of the following procedures: massage, speleoclimatotherapy, phytotherapy, psychotherapy, symptomatic drug therapy.

Contraindications:

• All diseases of the respiratory system, accompanied by the development of pulmonary heart disease above stage II
• Bronchiectasis and chronic abscess with severe exhaustion of patients, fever, copious purulent sputum
• Bronchial asthma with frequent and/or severe asthma attacks, hormone-dependent uncontrolled asthma
• Spontaneous pneumothorax
• Condition after ineffective surgical interventions, presence of postoperative complications.
• Hemoptysis
• Pleural effusion
• Diseases of the respiratory system of inflammatory origin in the acute period and in the phase of exacerbation of the chronic process
• General contraindications, excluding the referral of patients to resorts.

Treatment results

The duration of treatment depends on the timeliness and adequacy of therapy: pleurisy can be overcome in a few days, or even in a few weeks. After that, you need to take time for the recovery period.

Consequences of lack of treatment

In case of incomplete recovery of the patient, the consequences of pleurisy may form in the body. These include:

• Interpleural adhesions (between pleural sheets)
• Deformation of the chest (limitation of its mobility)
• Bronchiectasis (irreversible enlargement of the bronchus)

Adhesions and deformity of the chest can be removed through regular breathing exercises, physiotherapy methods of treatment. Scoliosis can be eliminated by massage.

Pleurisy – an inflammatory process localized in the pleura and accompanied by accumulation of exudate (fluid) in the pleural cavity or loss of fibrin sheets on the surface. Depending on the presence of exudate, pleurisy is distinguished between exudative and fibrinous or dry, and depending on the nature – bacterial, viral and allergic. Often the nature of pleurisy remains unexplained.