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Pleurisy [also known as pleuritis] refers to the inflammation of the pleura — the thin membranes surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. When you have a swollen pleura, they rub against each other — as opposed to gliding smoothly (in its normal state) — when you breathe and cause your lungs to swell.
The pleura is double-layered. The visceral pleura covers the lungs surface while the parietal pleura line the chest wall and diaphragm. The space between them contains a small amount of lubricating fluid which prevents friction.
What Causes Pleurisy?
Several factors can contribute to the causes of pleurisy.
- Infection
It could be a bacterial infection like pneumonia and tuberculosis which can lead To pleurisy as bacteria infect the lung tissue. Viral infections like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also contributors. Fungal infections however are not common but are also possible
- Medical conditions
Autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can set off inflammation in the pleura as a systemic immune response. A blood clot in the deep vein, Pulmonary embolism can travel to your lungs, reduce blood flow and also cause inflammation of the lungs. Cancer is also another cause.
- Other causes
This includes a wide range of other things like a side effect of a drug, chest injury, chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, chest surgery or trauma, or pleural tumour.
Symptom of Pleurisy
The symptoms of pleurisy are different depending on the cause or severity but the common ones may include the following:
- Chest pain: The pain is usually stabbing.
- Shortness of breath: This is a result of pain or fluid accumulating in the pleura
- Dry cough: Persistent dry cough, when you cough up nothing comes out.
- Fever and chills: This indicates an infection is the likely cause of the disease.
- Moving pain: The pain could spread to your back.
Treatment of Pleurisy
- Address underlying cause
The doctors would first need to diagnose the root cause of it after running a series of tests. The treatment process can start after an effective diagnosis. For example, if it is caused by an infection, they may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications. If it is a blood clot that has travelled to your lungs, blood thinners would be used to dissolve it.
- Symptom Management
The doctors could also consider giving you Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to reduce the pain or Corticosteroids. In cases where there is a lot of fluid thoracentesis will be done to drain the excess fluid.
Other Factors to Note
- Diagnosis: The doctors would need to run several tests, imaging, blood test, EKG, or thoracoscopy. If diagnosed, do not engage in high-impact activities which can cause heavy breathing or too much cough.
- Prevention: It is best to protect yourself against infections like pneumonia and flu. In cases where you feel any symptoms, consult your doctors immediately as early treatment helps prevent complications.
- Lifestyle Changes: It is best to take a lot of rest. Avoid smoking. If you are given drugs, complete them.
Final Overview
Pleurisy can be very painful. Like almost every other condition, early detection, proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications. Through a combination of managing underlying causes and following preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of developing pleurisy and have better respiratory health.
If you experience persistent chest pain or any of the other symptoms do well to seek medical advice immediately. If you are looking for the best lung transplant surgeon in India, be sure to connect with Dr. Gokhale.