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Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane that surrounds each lung and the rib cage. The pleura protects and lubricates the surface of the lungs as they inflate and deflate within the rib cage. When they become inflamed, the diseased surfaces rub painfully together.

Pleura of the Lungs

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There are several causes for either acute or chronic pleurisy.

• Viral infection such as influenza and cold viruses
• Lung infections from bacteria like tuberculosis or parasites like amebiasis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Systemic lupus
• After a heart attack such as Dressler’s syndrome
• Asbestos
• Chest injury
• Heart failure
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Pancreatitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cancer
• Chronic liver and kidney disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Drug reaction

Factors that increase your chances of having pleurisy include:

• Infection, injury, or tumor
• An underlying lung condition , such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema

Symptoms of pleurisy include:

• Sharp, stabbing pain towards the side and lower part of the chest
• Pain along the shoulders, neck, and abdomen
• Pain during any movement of the chest, such as breathing and coughing
• Dry coughing
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid and shallow breathing

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The pain associated with pleurisy can be enough to diagnose the condition. A stethoscope will be used to listen for abnormal chest sounds, such as a friction rub. The next step is determining the illness that caused the pleurisy.

Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with:

• Chest x-ray
• CT scan
• Ultrasound

Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with:

• Blood test
• Fluid analysis after thoracentesis
• Biopsy of the pleura with video-associated thoracic surgery (VATS)

Your heart's activity may be tested. This can be done with an EKG.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

If you are diagnosed with pleurisy, follow your doctor's instructions .

To help reduce your chances of getting pleurisy, take the following steps:

• Seek early medical attention for conditions that can cause pleurisy.
• Consider getting vaccinated for pneumonia, especially if you are elderly, have a chronic illness, or weakened immunity.