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Pleurisy
Pleurisy Wellness: Navigating, Advocating, Thriving
Welcome to Universal Hospital’s Pleurisy Information Center. Pleurisy is a condition that involves inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs. Understanding the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is essential for effective management.
Understanding Pleurisy
Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The inflammation can lead to sharp chest pain, especially with breathing. Pleurisy is often a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a standalone disease.
Causes:
Pleurisy can result from various underlying causes, including:
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections of the respiratory system can cause pleurisy.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
- Chest Injuries: Trauma to the chest, such as rib fractures.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of pleurisy is chest pain, which can be sharp and worsens with breathing or coughing. Other common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath: Due to the pain associated with breathing.
- Cough: Often dry or with minimal mucus.
- Fever and chills: Present if the pleurisy is caused by an infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pleurisy involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:
- Chest X-ray or CT scan: To visualize the lungs and identify any abnormalities.
- Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or autoimmune conditions.
- Thoracentesis: A procedure to remove a sample of pleural fluid for analysis.
Treatment
The treatment of pleurisy aims to address the underlying cause and manage symptoms. Treatment options may include:
- Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): To reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Corticosteroids: In some cases, especially if pleurisy is associated with autoimmune conditions.
- Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to manage discomfort.
Living with Pleurisy
Managing pleurisy involves:
- Rest: Allowing the body time to heal.
- Pain management: Following prescribed medications and techniques to relieve pain.
- Monitoring symptoms: Seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
