Pleurisy
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. This condition causes sharp chest pain (pleuritic pain) that worsens during breathing.
Symptoms
- Sharp chest pain when breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fever (in some cases)
- Pain in the shoulder or back
Causes
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia)
- Tuberculosis
- Autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Lung cancer
Treatments
- Treatment of the underlying condition
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Antibiotics (if bacterial infection)
- Corticosteroids (if autoimmune-related)
- Drainage of pleural fluid (if present)
Prevention
- Avoid respiratory infections
- Manage chronic conditions
- Get vaccinated (e.g., influenza, pneumococcal)
- Do not smoke
- Seek early treatment for chest pain