Overview
Pleurisy is a condition in which the pleura, two large thin layers of tissue that separate the lungs from the chest wall, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause sharp chest pain (pleuritic pain) that worsens during breathing. Pleurisy is also known as pleuritis.
Types of Pleurisy
There are several types of pleurisy, including:
- Bacterial Pleurisy: This type of pleurisy is caused by bacterial infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
- Viral Pleurisy: This type of pleurisy is caused by viral infections such as the flu or bronchitis.
- Fungal Pleurisy: This type of pleurisy is caused by fungal infections such as histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis.
- Autoimmune Pleurisy: This type of pleurisy is caused by an autoimmune reaction in which the body's immune system attacks the pleura.
- Traumatic Pleurisy: This type of pleurisy is caused by injury to the chest or lung.
Causes of Pleurisy
Pleurisy can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis can cause pleurisy.
- Viral Infections: Viral infections such as the flu or bronchitis can cause pleurisy.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infections such as histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis can cause pleurisy.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause pleurisy.
- Trauma: Trauma to the chest or lung can cause pleurisy.
Risk Factors of Pleurisy
The following risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing pleurisy:
- Age: The risk of developing pleurisy increases with age.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing pleurisy.
- Cancer: Cancer can increase the risk of developing pleurisy.
- Chronic Lung Disease: Chronic lung disease can increase the risk of developing pleurisy.
- Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing pleurisy.
Symptoms of Pleurisy
The symptoms of pleurisy can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors. Common symptoms include:1. Sharp chest pain: Sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing.
2. Coughing: Coughing up blood or yellow or green mucus.
3. Difficulty Breathing: Difficulty breathing due to inflammation in the lungs.
4. Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak due to inflammation in the lungs.
5. Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss due to inflammation in the lungs.
Preventions of Pleurisy
Prevention is key to avoiding pleurisy. Some ways to prevent pleurisy include:
- Washing Hands: Washing your hands regularly to prevent the spread of infection.
- Getting Vaccinated: Getting vaccinated against diseases such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
- Avoiding Smoking: Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Avoiding Close Contact with Sick People: Avoiding close contact with people who are sick with respiratory infections.
- Maintaining a Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to boost your immune system.
Diagnosis of Pleurisy
Diagnosis and evaluation of pleurisy typically involve:
- Physical Examination: A physical examination to assess for signs of inflammation and pain.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms.
- Lung Function Tests: Lung function tests such as spirometry to assess lung function.
Treatment for Pleurisy
Treatment and management of pleurisy typically involve:
- Rest and Ice: Resting and icing the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Medications: Medications such as antibiotics or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen therapy to improve oxygen levels in the blood.
- Pain Management: Pain management techniques such as deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques to reduce pain.
When to seek medical attention ?
If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those described above, it is essential to see a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
