What are the main symptoms of pleurisy. How is pleurisy diagnosed. What treatments are available for pleurisy. When should you seek medical attention for pleurisy symptoms. What are the potential complications of untreated pleurisy.

Understanding Pleurisy: An Overview of the Condition

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pleura – the thin, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This inflammation can cause significant discomfort and pain, particularly when breathing.

The primary function of the pleura is to allow smooth movement of the lungs within the chest cavity during respiration. When this lining becomes inflamed, it loses its slippery quality, causing the lungs to rub painfully against the chest wall with each breath.

Types of Pleurisy

Pleurisy can be categorized into two main types:

• Dry Pleurisy: This occurs when there is no fluid accumulation between the pleural layers.
• Wet Pleurisy (Pleural Effusion): In this type, fluid collects between the pleural layers.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pleurisy

The hallmark symptom of pleurisy is a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing. This pain can be quite severe and may extend to the shoulders and back.

Other common symptoms associated with pleurisy include:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Dry cough
• Fever and chills (in cases of infection)
• General fatigue and malaise

Is the pain always constant in pleurisy? Not necessarily. The pain may come and go, often triggered by deep breathing or certain movements. Some patients report that lying on the affected side can provide temporary relief.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pleurisy

Pleurisy can be caused by various factors, ranging from infections to autoimmune disorders. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Pleurisy

• Viral infections (e.g., influenza, COVID-19)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis)
• Fungal infections
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Pulmonary embolism
• Chest injuries or trauma
• Certain medications
• Cancer (especially lung cancer or metastatic cancer)
• Asbestos exposure

Are some individuals more susceptible to developing pleurisy? Yes, certain risk factors can increase one’s likelihood of developing this condition:

• Age (more common in older adults)
• Smoking
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Weakened immune system
• History of certain medical conditions (e.g., lung disease, heart disease)

Diagnosing Pleurisy: Medical Procedures and Tests

Accurate diagnosis of pleurisy is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers typically employ a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests to confirm the condition and identify its underlying cause.

Physical Examination

During a physical exam, the doctor will:

• Listen to the patient’s chest with a stethoscope to detect any abnormal sounds (pleural friction rub)
• Check for signs of inflammation or infection
• Assess the patient’s breathing pattern and rate

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the suspected cause, various diagnostic tests may be ordered:

1. Chest X-ray: To visualize the lungs and detect any fluid accumulation or lung abnormalities
2. CT scan: Provides more detailed images of the chest and can help identify underlying conditions
3. Ultrasound: Used to detect pleural effusion and guide procedures like thoracentesis
4. Blood tests: To check for signs of infection, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders
5. Pleural fluid analysis: If pleural effusion is present, a sample of the fluid may be analyzed to determine its cause
6. Electrocardiogram (ECG): To rule out heart-related causes of chest pain

How long does it take to diagnose pleurisy? The diagnosis can often be made within a single doctor’s visit, especially if the symptoms are clear. However, identifying the underlying cause may require additional tests and time.

Treatment Options for Pleurisy: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

The treatment of pleurisy focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. The approach can vary depending on the severity of the condition and its etiology.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

For mild cases of pleurisy, the following self-care measures may provide relief:

• Rest: Adequate rest allows the body to heal and reduces strain on the lungs
• Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation
• Breathing exercises: Gentle breathing exercises can help maintain lung function and prevent complications
• Avoiding smoking: Smoking can exacerbate symptoms and slow healing

Medical Treatments

Depending on the cause and severity of pleurisy, medical treatments may include:

1. Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial infections
2. Antiviral medications: Used in cases of viral pleurisy
3. Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation, especially in cases related to autoimmune disorders
4. Diuretics: To help remove excess fluid in cases of pleural effusion
5. Thoracentesis: A procedure to drain excess fluid from the pleural space
6. Pleurodesis: A procedure to prevent fluid buildup in recurrent cases

How long does it take for pleurisy to resolve with treatment? With appropriate treatment, many cases of pleurisy improve within a few days to weeks. However, recovery time can vary depending on the underlying cause and the individual’s overall health.

Complications of Pleurisy: What Can Happen If Left Untreated?

While many cases of pleurisy resolve without significant complications, untreated or severe cases can lead to serious health issues.

Potential Complications

• Pleural effusion: Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can compress the lung and impair breathing
• Empyema: A collection of pus in the pleural space, often requiring drainage and antibiotics
• Pneumothorax: Collapse of the lung due to air in the pleural space
• Pleural thickening: Scarring of the pleura, which can restrict lung function
• Systemic infection: If the underlying cause is an infection, it can spread to other parts of the body

Can pleurisy lead to long-term lung damage? In most cases, pleurisy resolves without permanent damage. However, severe or recurrent cases can potentially lead to scarring of the pleura, which may affect lung function over time.

Prevention Strategies: Reducing Your Risk of Pleurisy

While it’s not always possible to prevent pleurisy, certain measures can help reduce your risk of developing this condition or experiencing recurrences.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintain good overall health through a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke
• Practice good hygiene to prevent infections
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations, especially for pneumonia and influenza
• Manage underlying health conditions effectively

Occupational Precautions

If you work in an environment where you may be exposed to irritants or toxins:

• Use appropriate protective equipment
• Follow safety guidelines and procedures
• Undergo regular health check-ups

Is it possible to completely prevent pleurisy? While it’s not always possible to prevent pleurisy entirely, these measures can significantly reduce your risk and help maintain overall lung health.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Urgent Symptoms

While mild cases of pleurisy may resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

Seek Urgent Care If You Experience:

• Severe chest pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that worsens
• High fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C) that persists or is accompanied by chills
• Coughing up blood or bloody sputum
• Signs of a possible blood clot, such as swelling or pain in one leg
• Chest pain accompanied by other symptoms like arm pain, jaw pain, or sweating (which could indicate a heart attack)

How quickly should you seek medical attention for these symptoms? If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical care immediately or call emergency services. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome.

Understanding pleurisy, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for anyone experiencing chest pain or respiratory issues. By recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can effectively manage this condition and prevent potential complications. Remember, while pleurisy can be uncomfortable and even painful, with proper treatment and care, most people recover fully and can return to their normal activities.

Pleurisy – NHS

Pleurisy is inflammation around the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain. It’s easy to treat and usually gets better in a few days, but can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, like pneumonia.

Check if it’s pleurisy

The main symptom of pleurisy is sharp chest pain when you breathe in.

The pain may be worse when you cough, sneeze or move around.

It may also spread to your shoulders and back.

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

• you have sharp chest pain that comes and goes, or only happens when breathing or coughing
• you have sharp chest pain that has not got better after a few days
• you’ve coughed up a few small spots, flecks or streaks of blood, or noticed blood in your phlegm or on a handkerchief
• you’re feeling short of breath regularly

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• you have sudden chest pain that lasts for 15 minutes or more
• you have sudden chest pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw
• you have difficulty breathing
• you’re coughing up more than just a few spots or streaks of blood
• you’re coughing up blood and finding it hard to breathe, have a very fast heartbeat, or have pain in your chest or upper back

These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a heart attack or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

What happens at your appointment

If you have symptoms of pleurisy, a GP will examine you and listen to your chest.

The GP may refer you to a specialist if they’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms.

You may need to have tests, such as:

• blood tests
• a chest X-ray
• an ultrasound scan
• a CT scan

Treatment for pleurisy

Pleurisy will usually get better on its own in a few days without treatment from a GP.

If your symptoms are being caused by a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, you may need antibiotics.

You can ease the chest pain by:

• taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• resting in different positions until you find a comfortable one – lying on the painful side can help

You may need to have treatment in hospital if your symptoms are severe or being caused by something more serious, such as a pulmonary embolism or tuberculosis.

Page last reviewed: 18 May 2023
Next review due: 18 May 2026

Pleurisy | Cedars-Sinai

ABOUT

DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

Overview

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is swelling of the thin lining around the chest cavity and lungs, also known as the pleura. This lining creates a smooth surface so the lungs glide easily in the chest while breathing. When the lining swells, the lungs rub painfully against the chest, causing swelling and chest pain.

In some cases, fluid can collect between the pleura. This is called pleural effusion. When there is no fluid, the condition is called dry pleurisy.

Symptoms

Usually the first sign of pleurisy is a sudden chest pain. The pain may be very mild or very severe. Sometimes the pain is only felt while breathing deeply or coughing. Other times, the pain may be felt all the time and get worse with deep breathing or coughing. Usually the pain is felt in the chest wall over the area that’s inflamed. You might also feel pain in the upper abdominal area, neck, back, and shoulders.

Because inhaling deeply hurts, a person with pleurisy tends to breathe quickly and shallowly. On the side where the pain is, the muscles of the chest move less than those on the other side. If fluid builds up between the layers of the pleura, the chest pain may go away. Large quantities of fluid can make expanding one or both lungs difficult.

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing

Causes and Risk Factors

Irritation of the pleura can be caused by:

• Viruses
• Bacterial infections
• Cancer
• Inhaling asbestos or other toxic substances
• The use of certain medications
• Some types of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pleurisy usually starts with a physical exam. Because the pain tied to pleurisy is distinct, it is often easy for the physician to diagnose. Using a stethoscope, the doctor may hear a squeaky, rubbing sound.

Chest X-rays and CT scans are often used to see an image of what is going on inside the lungs and chest. These tests help show if fluid is building up in the lungs. They will also show if the lungs are filling up with air as much as possible.

Other imaging tests may be used, such as an ultrasound or electrocardiogram, to rule out heart disease.

If fluid has begun to build up in the chest or lungs, the doctor may take a test sample of it. This will help determine the cause of the pleurisy and rule out the possibility of cancer.

A biopsy of a small sample of tissue may also be done to rule out the possibility of cancer. To do this, a needle will be used to remove a small tissue sample to be examined under a microscope.

A blood test to detect lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatment for pleurisy depends on what caused the condition. The experts at Cedars-Sinai’s Advanced Lung Disease Program can help you find the best treatment plan.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections caused by bacteria. If a virus causes the pleurisy, no treatment will be given. If the cause is lupus or an autoimmune disease, corticosteroids often quickly cure the pleurisy. These drugs suppress the immune system, which stops the swelling in the lining.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, help relieve the chest pain. Codeine and other stronger pain relievers should not be used. These medicines can stop you from coughing. Coughing is important because it stops the lungs from collapsing and helps prevent pneumonia.

Holding a pillow against the part of the chest that hurts while coughing or breathing deeply can be helpful. Wrapping the chest in wide, elastic bandages can help relieve severe pain. Wrapping the chest also makes it harder to breathe and increases the risk of a collapsed lung or pneumonia.

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Pleurisy – health articles

Human lungs are located in the chest cavity. Outside they are covered with pleura. The pleura is a serous membrane that lines the inner layer of the chest cavity and envelops both lungs. The pleura is made up of mesothelial cells.

Pleurisy – an inflammatory disease of the pleura, which is characterized by the deposition of fibrin on their surface (fibrinous or dry pleurisy), or the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity (exudative pleurisy).

This disease is very common. This is the most commonly diagnosed pathology of the lungs. In the general structure of the incidence of the population, pleurisy accounts for 5-15%.

Causes

Pleurisy is a disease that in most cases develops on the basis of some existing pathology. The most common cause of the development of an inflammatory reaction in the pleural cavity are various infections. Often pleurisy occurs against the background of systemic diseases, tumors, injuries.

Some authors refer to pleurisy and cases of pleural effusion without a clear presence of an inflammatory response. This situation is not entirely correct, since pleurisy is an ailment that involves an obligatory inflammatory component.

The following causes of pleurisy are distinguished:

• infection of the pleura;
• tuberculosis;
• allergic inflammatory reaction;
• autoimmune and systemic diseases;
• exposure to chemicals;
• chest injury;
• exposure to ionizing radiation;
• exposure to pancreatic enzymes;
• primary and metastatic tumors of the pleura.

Symptoms

The clinic of dry pleurisy is characterized by stabbing pains in the chest, aggravated by coughing, breathing and movement. The patient is forced to take a position, lying on a sore side, to limit the mobility of the chest. Breathing is superficial, sparing, the affected half of the chest noticeably lags behind during respiratory movements. Body temperature sometimes rises to subfebrile values, the course of pleurisy may be accompanied by chills, night sweats, and weakness.

Diaphragmatic dry pleurisy has a specific clinic: pain in the hypochondrium, chest and abdominal cavity, flatulence, hiccups, tension in the abdominal muscles.

The onset of exudative pleurisy is accompanied by a dull pain in the affected side, reflex arising painful dry cough, lagging of the corresponding half of the chest in breathing, pleural friction noise. As the exudate accumulates, the pain is replaced by a feeling of heaviness in the side, increasing shortness of breath. Exudative pleurisy is characterized by general symptoms: weakness, febrile body temperature, loss of appetite, sweating.

Diagnosis

An external examination performed by a physician is very important for diagnosing pleurisy and determining its nature. During auscultation (listening to the lungs in different phases of breathing with a stethoscope), pleural friction noise can be detected, which is specific for fibrinous pleurisy, with exudative pleurisy during percussion (tapping a certain area to identify characteristic sound phenomena), there is a dullness of percussion sound above the effusion zone. Thus, it is possible to determine the spread of exudate in the pleural cavity.

In the general and biochemical blood tests, nonspecific inflammatory changes are noted: ESR acceleration, increase in the number of leukocytes; the appearance or increase in the concentration of inflammatory proteins.

Instrumental methods (ultrasound, radiography) play a significant role in the diagnosis of pleurisy, as they allow you to see the area of ​​the lesion and determine the nature of the inflammatory process.

Treatment

Treatment is determined by the form of pleurisy. Treatment of an infectious type of inflammation of the pleura involves the use of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents, diuretics, painkillers. In the case of exudative inflammation, physiotherapy and exercise therapy can be used, but only after the effusion has resolved. If pulmonary tuberculosis is the cause of inflammation of the pleura, anti-tuberculosis drugs are prescribed.

Treatment involves the use of symptomatic remedies. If there are pleural fibrinous overlays (dry pleurisy), the patient should be provided with complete rest. In case of cough, antitussives are prescribed. Treatment often includes the setting of cans, mustard plasters, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, and breathing exercises.

If a large volume of fluid has accumulated, a pleural puncture may be required.

Nutrition for pleurisy should be complete and meet physiological needs. It is required to include more foods rich in vitamins in the diet. The diet for pleurisy involves limiting the intake of carbohydrates and salt. It is also required to reduce the amount of liquid you drink to 500-600 ml. As for non-infectious pleurisy, its treatment involves the elimination of the underlying disease.