Understanding Pleurisy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Pleurisy is a type of chest pain that affects the pleura, the thin layers of tissue that cover your lungs and line the inside of your chest wall. When the pleurae become swollen and inflamed, they rub against each other, causing a sharp, stabbing pain each time you breathe deeply, cough, sneeze, or laugh.

Causes of Pleurisy

Pleurisy can be caused by various factors, including:

• Lung infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, viral infections like the flu, or fungal infections

• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

• COVID-19, although more research is needed

• Other causes, such as chest injuries, lung cancer, sickle cell anemia, and mesothelioma

It's important to note that while pleurisy itself is not contagious, some of the bacteria and viruses that cause it can be.

Symptoms of Pleurisy

The main symptom of pleurisy is a sharp, stabbing, or burning chest pain that worsens when you breathe deeply, cough, or sneeze. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain in other body parts, such as the neck, shoulder, back, or belly

• A cough (in some cases)

• Fever and chills (in some cases)

• Back pain that feels like a constant dull ache

Diagnosing Pleurisy

To diagnose pleurisy, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. They may also recommend additional tests, such as:

• Imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound)

• Blood tests to check for infections or autoimmune diseases

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to rule out heart problems

• Thoracentesis (examining a sample of pleural fluid)

• Thoracoscopy (using a thin, flexible tube to look inside the chest cavity)

Treating Pleurisy

Treatment for pleurisy depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections

• Antifungal drugs for fungal infections

• Draining excess fluid from the pleural space

• Painkillers and steroid medications to manage pain and inflammation

• Cough suppressants (codeine) if coughing is too painful

The duration of pleurisy varies depending on the cause. Bacterial infections treated with antibiotics may resolve within a few days, while pleurisy caused by lung cancer or autoimmune diseases may persist for several weeks.

Managing Pleurisy at Home

To manage pleurisy at home, follow these tips:

• Take prescribed medications as directed

• Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, like ibuprofen

• Get plenty of rest

• Avoid smoking, as it can further irritate your lungs

• Sleep on the side that's causing you pain, with your head propped up on pillows

• Avoid activities that cause rapid breathing or excessive coughing

• Resume daily activities and exercise gradually

If you suspect you have pleurisy, it's essential to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. With proper care and management, most cases of pleurisy can be resolved successfully.

For more information on pleurisy and other respiratory conditions, visit:

• Mayo Clinic - Pleurisy

• NHS - Pleurisy

The Bottom Line

Early identification of the underlying cause is crucial since treatment varies dramatically between viral, bacterial, and autoimmune origins. Most patients experience significant pain relief within days of targeted treatment, though underlying conditions must be addressed to prevent recurrence. If you're experiencing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, Doctronic can help determine whether immediate medical attention is needed.