Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful.

In some cases of pleurisy, excess fluid seeps into the pleural space, resulting in pleural effusion. This fluid buildup usually has a lubricating effect, relieving the pain associated with pleurisy as it reduces friction between the membrane’s layers. But at the same time, the added fluid puts tremendous pressure on the lungs, reducing their ability to move freely and causing shortness of breath. In some cases of pleural effusion, this excess liquid can become infected.

Causes Of Pleurisy

Viral infection is probably the most common cause of pleurisy. Other diseases that can cause pleurisy are lung infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, and diseases such as systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, liver and kidney diseases, heart failure and pulmonary embolism. Other causes include chest injuries and reaction to drugs.

Pleurisy and pleural effusion are generally only as serious as the underlying disease causing it, so it would be wise to seek immediate medical attention at first symptoms. A pleural effusion can occur without pleurisy, as is the case in heart failure.

Symptoms Of Pleurisy

Pleurisy is a condition that has a very distinctive symptom, which is a sudden, sharp stabbing-like pain on the chest. This pain is commonly referred to as pleurisy pain. Pleurisy pains are most of the times well delimited and localized. In some people, this pleurisy pain can be radiated into the neck and arms. Pleurisy pains get worse with every breath, and coughing can be extremely painful. The patient is unable to take a deep breath.

Other pleurisy symptoms include cough, chills, dyspnea, weight loss (the pain is so intense that the patient has a much diminished appetite). Some patients experience itches on their back.

Treatment Of Pleurisy

Pleurisy is treating by fighting the pain. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medication will make it easier for the patient to take deep breaths and cough, which is important to reduce the risk of an infection. If infection is present or suspected, antibiotics will be administered.

In severe cases of pain, the doctor may want to apply a shot of a strong pain killer directly into the intercostals muscles to block the nerve’s response. Also, thoracentesis can be performed to ease the process of breathing by draining fluid from the chest.

Prevention Of Pleurisy

The most effective way to prevent pleurisy is to avoid the condition that causes it. Vaccination can prevent some types of pneumonia, influenza and other diseases that can result in pleurisy. Early and adequate treatment to bacterial respiratory infections may help too. Prevention of pleurisy may also be achieved by prompt antibiotic treatment of cases of strep throat, which often indicate the development of rheumatic fever (another potential cause of pleurisy).

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying away from dangerous elements like asbestos and cigarette smoke can be general preventive measures that will not only decrease the risk of pleurisy but will also help in keeping other diseases away.

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