What is Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of pleura -- the lining of the lungs and chest -- that causes sharp pain when you breathe. Many conditions cause pleurisy, usually the flu and pneumonia, but also tuberculosis, chest injury, lung disease, cancer, blood clots, and autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, pleurisy clears up when the underlying condition is treated or cured. In some cases, pleurisy occurs with "pleural effusion," a buildup of fluid between the layers of the pleura, which makes it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms of Pleurisy are 

Pain or discomfort, Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath

Treatment

Pleurisy treatment depends on the cause. If it is caused by a virus, no treatment is necessary. If it is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If the cause is lupus or an autoimmune disease, corticosteroids may be used. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers to ease pain when you breathe.

Self Care

Get plenty of rest. Take acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen for chest pain. You may be more comfortable lying on the side that hurts or holding a pillow against your chest where it hurts when you cough or breathe. When the pain lets up, coughing and breathing deeply can help clear mucus and prevent pneumonia.

When to See Your Doctor

Go to a hospital emergency room if you have difficulty breathing, your lips or fingernails turn blue, you faint, or have sudden, severe, unexplained chest pain.

Diagnosed By

The doctor will do a physical exam and take your medical history. The doctor may also order blood tests, a chest X-ray, or CT scan to find the underlying cause of the pleurisy.