pleurisy

Pleurisy: An Inflammation of the Lungs' Outer Lining

Pleurisy is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, known as the pleura. This inflammation leads to chest pain that worsens when taking deep breaths or coughing.

Symptoms of Pleurisy

• Sharp, stabbing, or burning chest pain when inhaling and exhaling [1][2]
• Pain may be a constant dull ache in some cases [7]
• Other symptoms may include:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Weight loss (depending on the underlying cause) [7]

Causes of Pleurisy

Pleurisy is most often caused by infection with a germ, such as a viral infection [5]. Inflammation of the pleura can also result from other factors, including:

• Inflammatory processes in the periphery of the lung that involve the overlying visceral pleura [6]
• Disease-causing inflammation of the pleura [3]

References

[1] Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of your lungs (pleura) that causes sharp chest pains. The pain is usually worse when you breathe or cough. [2] [2] by MP Hunter · 2023 · Cited by 9 — Pleurisy is a symptom characterized by localized chest pain caused by a disease-causing inflammation of the pleura. [3] [3] Pleurisy results from inflammation of the parietal pleura. [4] [4] Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lung's outer lining. It can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or shoulder when taking a deep breath. [5] [5] Pleurisy is due to inflammation of the pleura next to the lung. It is most often caused by infection with a germ (a viral infection). Written by a GP. [6] [6] Inflammatory processes in the periphery of the lung that involve the overlying visceral pleura (e.g. ... [7] [7] Occasionally the pain may be a constant dull ache. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, fever, or weight loss, depending on the underlying ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Pleurisy

Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung's outer lining, can cause a range of symptoms that vary in severity and duration. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with pleurisy:

• Sharp Chest Pain: The most distinctive symptom of pleurisy is sharp chest pain, often described as stabbing or knife-like, which worsens when you breathe deeply, cough, sneeze, or move around [1][3][5].
• Shortness of Breath: Pleurisy can cause fluid to collect inside the chest, leading to shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and a feeling of suffocation [4].
• Coughing: A dry cough is another common symptom of pleurisy, which may worsen when you breathe deeply or cough [6][7].
• Pain in Shoulder: The pain associated with pleurisy can sometimes radiate to the shoulder area, making it difficult to distinguish between chest and shoulder pain [5][8].

Additional Symptoms

In some cases, pleurisy can be accompanied by additional symptoms, including:

• Rapid breathing
• Pain when coughing or sneezing
• Feeling of fullness in the chest
• Fatigue

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of pleurisy. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Dec 13, 2023 — Symptoms · Chest pain that worsens when you breathe, cough or sneeze. · Shortness of breath — often from trying to limit breathing in and out. [2] The main symptom of pleurisy is chest pain (pleuritic pain) that feels sharp, stabbing or knife-like, coming from one specific place. It's worse when you ... [3] The main symptom of pleurisy is sharp chest pain when you breathe in. The pain may be worse when you cough, sneeze or move around. It may also spread to your ... [4] Pleurisy can cause fluid to collect inside the chest. As a result, the following symptoms can occur: Coughing; Shortness of breath; Rapid breathing; Pain with ... [5] Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lung's outer lining. It can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or shoulder when taking a deep breath. [6] May 20, 2024 — a sharp chest pain when breathing deeply; a sharp shoulder pain when breathing deeply; shortness of breath; a dry cough. The pain may be worse ... [7] Jan 4, 2024 — Additional signs and symptoms of pleurisy depend on the underlying cause but may include a dry cough, shortness of breath, and constitutional ... [8] Symptoms of pleurisy​​ The most common symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain when you breathe. You sometimes also feel pain in your shoulder. [9] The main symptom of pleurisy, or other problems that affect the pleura, is 'pleuritic' chest pain. This is usually a sharp stabbing pain. You may feel a ...

Diagnostic Tests for Pleurisy

Pleurisy, also known as pleural disease, can be diagnosed through various tests that help identify the underlying cause and extent of the condition.

• Physical Examination: A physical examination is a crucial step in diagnosing pleurisy. Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs and heart, which can reveal abnormal sounds or rubs between the pleura (the two layers of tissue surrounding the lungs) [1].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are also used to diagnose pleurisy. They help determine if there is an infection or autoimmune disorder present in the body [2]. A complete blood count and metabolic panel, including serum protein, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase, should be included in laboratory testing [6].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasound can help diagnose pleurisy by showing fluid accumulation or tumors in the chest cavity. These tests can also reveal previously undetected rib fractures or other abnormalities [4][5].
• Electrocardiogram (EKG): An EKG is a test that monitors your heart's electrical activity. It may be used to rule out cardiac causes of pleuritic chest pain [3][7].

These diagnostic tests can help identify the underlying cause of pleurisy, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [2] - Context result 1 [3] - Context result 7 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [7] - Context result 8

Treatment Options for Pleurisy

Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, can be treated with various medications to alleviate symptoms and manage underlying conditions.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are commonly prescribed as the initial therapy to control pain and inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin.
• Antibiotics: If pleurisy is caused by an infection, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed to treat the underlying condition.
• Narcotic Analgesics: In some cases, narcotic analgesics may be used to manage severe pain.

Medication for Pain Relief

Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help relieve mild chest pain and inflammation associated with pleurisy. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another option that may be recommended by healthcare providers.

Treatment Goals

The primary goal of medication treatment for pleurisy is to alleviate symptoms, manage underlying conditions, and prevent complications. Treatment plans are often tailored to the individual's specific needs and medical history.

References:

• [3] Antibiotics and NSAIDs can help ease mild chest pain and inflammation.
• [5] Aspirin, ibuprofen, or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may be suggested for most cases of pain caused by pleurisy.
• [6] Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), can ease the pain of pleurisy.
• [7] Treatment for pleurisy may include medication to treat underlying conditions and alleviate symptoms.

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs (pleura) that can cause sharp chest pains. To determine the underlying cause of pleurisy, a differential diagnosis is necessary to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Possible Causes:

• Infectious: Viral infections such as adenovirus, coxsackieviruses, and cytomegalovirus can cause pleurisy [1][3]. Bacterial infections like pneumonia can also lead to pleurisy [6].
• Hematologic/Oncologic: Malignancies, sickle cell disease, and hematological disorders can cause pleurisy [3][5].
• Inflammatory: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases can lead to pleurisy [1].
• Cardiovascular: Pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, pneumothorax, pericarditis, and Bornholm disease are all potential causes of pleurisy [7][8].

Symptoms:

• Sharp chest pains that worsen with deep breathing or coughing
• Pleural rub (a crunching sound heard when listening to the lungs)
• Fever, cough, and consolidation (indicative of pneumonia)

Differential Diagnosis:

To accurately diagnose pleurisy, it is essential to consider these potential causes and rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans can help determine the underlying cause of pleurisy.

References:

[1] BV Reamy · 2017 · Cited by 57 — Pleuritic chest pain is characterized by sudden and intense sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the chest when inhaling and exhaling. [2] Jul 11, 2024 — Irritation and inflammation of the pleura presents with symptoms of sharp lancing, fleeting pain in the chest that is exacerbated by deep breathing. [3] by SM KASS · 2007 · Cited by 69 — Differential Diagnosis of Pleurisy*; Hematologic/oncologic, Malignancy, sickle cell disease; Infectious, Viral (e.g., adenovirus, ... [4] Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of your lungs (pleura) that causes sharp chest pains. The pain is usually worse when you breathe or cough. [5] by BV Reamy · 2017 · Cited by 57 — Amebiasis, paragonimiasis; Viral; Adenovirus, coxsackieviruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr ... [6] Pleurisy (due to pneumonia), Suggested by: being worse on inspiration, shallow breaths, pleural rub, evidence of infection (fever, cough, consolidation, etc.). [7] Jul 8, 2018 — Differential diagnosis · pulmonary embolism · myocardial infarction · pneumothorax · pericarditis · pneumonia · Bornholm disease ... [8] Dec 8, 2020 — ... pleurisy, postthoracotomy pain syndrome, and sickle cell crisis. Differential Diagnoses. Acute Pancreatitis · Aortic Dissection · Asthma.