What Is Pleurisy?

Pleurisy Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

If you ask most people, "What is pleurisy?" most probably couldn't tell you. They might know that pleurisy is a disease of the lungs, but they wouldn't be able to explain what causes it. Pleurisy is also called pleuritis.

The goal of this article is to answer the question what is pleurisy and to provide basic information about pleurisy symptoms, causes and treatment. The article is intended for the general public, not medical professionals. Your best source for answers to questions like what is pleurisy and is pleurisy contagious is always your doctor.

Pleurisy causes Pleurisy is a disease caused by an infection in the lining, or pleura, of the chest cavity around the lungs. This infection can be caused by pneumonia, or a viral infection. It can come from irritation, caused by a problem like a pulmonary embolism. When the pleura become inflamed, breathing becomes difficult and even painful. Pain caused by pleurisy can be exceptionally troublesome and sharp.

There are several layers of pleura below the rib cage. One layer overlies the lungs. Another layer is on the inner wall of the chest. The layers of pleura rub together, which allow your lungs to expand and contract without bumping the chest wall.

When these pleura become inflamed, the lungs can't move easily within the chest, which causes pain and discomfort.

Pleurisy symptoms Symptoms of pleurisy can include

dry cough,
fever and chills,
shortness of breath, and
chest pain during breathing.

Pain in the chest will worsen with coughing, sneezing, moving or breathing in. Some people with pleurisy believe that holding their breath or applying pressure to the area of the chest lessens the pain.

Is pleurisy contagious? The answer to the question "Is pleurisy contagious?" is...it depends. If pleurisy is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, then the respiratory infection itself may be transmitted to others. This doesn't always result in pleural pain, however.

If the pleurisy is due to irritation, then this is not contagious.

Pleural effusion Someone who has pleurisy often experiences a build up of fluids in the chest lining. Doctors call this fluid build up "pleural effusion." This fluid lubricates the area and actually helps reduce breathing discomfort. But this can also lead to a problem if fluid accumulates because it can interfere with lung function, resulting in breathing difficulties. Sometimes the fluid becomes infected, which can lead to serious problems.

Pleurisy treatments Anyone with pleurisy has a number of treatment options available. Pleurisy symptoms can sometimes be relieved simply by resting. Some doctors will recommend strapping the chest with a firm adhesive elastic bandage, but this might also prevent deep breathing and coughing up of mucus, which can both help clear the respiratory tract.

Painkillers may sometimes be appropriate. They help relieve the discomfort that comes with coughing. Cortisone drugs and anti-inflammatory medications can be effective in reducing the inflammation and therefore the pain that comes with pleurisy.

Quick attention to any symptom of a lung problem is the best prevention of pleurisy.

See our related article on lung infections.

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