A condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the lungs (also called pleura) is called pleurisy. While the most common symptom of this disorder is sharp chest pain, it can also cause other symptoms. Usually, the pain worsens when you breathe or cough. Among the common causes of pleurisy are viral and bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, and lung diseases. Furthermore, in most cases, chest pain is life-threatening. That’s why you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if this symptom occurs.
Sometimes, this condition is called pleuritis, and it occurs when the lining inside the chest wall becomes swollen. Therefore, the layers begin to rub against each other, which causes sharp pain. In general, the inside of the chest and lungs is lined with a thin layer known as pleura. The space between them is called the pleural space, and it is filled with fluid that allows them to slide along each other while you breathe.
The severity of this disorder ranges from mild to severe. It depends on the exact cause of this condition and whether you have other complications.
Symptoms
Usually, most people who develop pleurisy experience chest pain that often feels sharp, stabbing, or knife-like. This pain can worsen, especially when you breathe deeply or cough. However, people with this disorder can also experience other symptoms. These include:
It is very important to get immediate treatment if sudden, sharp chest pain occurs, but if any of the previous symptoms occur, do not hesitate to visit a doctor for a diagnosis.
Causes
Usually, people develop pleurisy due to a viral infection (such as the flu) or bacterial infection in the lungs. However, pleuritis can also occur due to other causes. Check below some of them:
- Autoimmune disorders – These include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), and others.
- Lung or pleural disease, including lung cancer, tuberculosis, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and others.
- Chest surgery or trauma
- Pulmonary embolism (a condition in which a blood clot develops in the lungs)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Some medicines, including Hydralazine, Isoniazid, Procainamide, and others.
How Do You Get Pleurisy?
Generally, this disorder occurs when something causes inflammation in the lungs. The most common causes are viral and bacterial infections, but it may also occur due to other causes. In rare cases, people develop pleurisy due to a tumor that causes a blockage or damage to the lungs.
Risk Factors
Some factors can elevate your risk of developing pleuritis. Check below some examples:
- Age – Older adults are more likely to develop this condition, especially those who are over 65 years old.
- Any health condition or medicine that causes inflammation in the body
- Tumor or scarring in the lungs
- Smoking
- Trauma to the chest (such as broken ribs)
- A family history of pleurisy
What Are The Potential Complications of Pleurisy?
People who develop pleuritis can also experience some complications. Check below some of them:
- Recurrent pleuritis
- Empyema (it occurs when pus begins to collect around the lungs)
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)
- Atelectasis (partial lung collapse)
- Pneumothorax (a collapsed lung)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Chronic pleural fibrosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Certain infections (such as pneumonia and tuberculosis)
This document does not contain a complete list of pleurisy complications. In any case, you can talk with your doctor about ways to reduce the risk or even prevent the previous complications.
Is There a Way to Prevent Pleurisy?
Check below some tips that may reduce the risk of developing this serious condition. Examples include:
- Stop smoking – If you have problems with smoking cessation, discuss it with your doctor.
- Get treatment for the underlying conditions (such as lung disorders, autoimmune conditions, and others)
- Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water to prevent bacterial or viral infections.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis of pleurisy begins with a physical examination in which doctors will listen to your lungs and ask questions about the symptoms and medical history. However, to exclude or confirm this disorder, doctors should perform some tests. Check below some of them:
- Blood tests – Doctors often perform these tests to check for infections and autoimmune disorders.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) – This is a quick and painless test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It may indicate heart problems that cause chest pain.
- Imaging tests – The following tests are used to get detailed images of the lungs and surrounding tissue. These include X-rays, ultrasound, and CT (computerized tomography) scans.
- Thoracentesis (fluid testing) – During this procedure, doctors use a needle that is inserted into the area around the lungs to get some fluid for testing. They will look for signs of infection.
- Thoracoscopy – This test involves a thin and lighted tube with a camera on the end that allows your doctor to examine inside the lungs.
Treatment
Usually, doctors prescribe different treatments for people with pleurisy. It depends on the underlying cause, the severity of pleuritis, overall health, age, and preferences. Check below some treatments often recommended for people with this disorder:
- Medicines for infections – These include antibiotics (used to treat bacterial infections), antivirals (for viral infections), or antifungal medicines (for fungal infections).
- Pain relievers – Doctors often recommend NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain caused by pleurisy.
- Fluid draining – This procedure involves draining excessive fluid from the lungs, which often helps ease the pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have pleurisy?
This disorder causes a sharp or stabbing pain in the chest. However, there are other disorders that can cause chest pain. In any case, it is recommended to go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if this symptom occurs. In general, only a doctor can confirm or rule out pleuritis.
Is pleurisy contagious?
While the condition is not contagious itself, the bacteria and viruses that cause it can spread from one person to another.
Can pleurisy go away on its own?
Sometimes, when this condition is caused by a virus, it can go away without treatment. In more severe cases (such as cancer or autoimmune disorders), it cannot go away without treatment. So, if you think you have pleuritis symptoms, immediately contact your physician. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any other questions.
