The pleura is a thin, two-layered membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Pleurisy or pleuritis is an inflammation or irritation of the pleura. Pleurisy is not a specific disease, but the result of many different diseases. Pleural effusions are collections of fluid that develop between the lining of the lung and the lining of the chest. They often occur with pleurisy and pleuritis.
Causes of Pleurisy Or Pleuritis
Pleurisy and pleuritis can occur as a complication of lung or chest infections. Such disorders as pneumonia or tuberculosis, viral infection (especially coxsackievirus) and bronchiectasis can produce inflammation of the pleural linings. Collapse of part of the lung, pneumothorax, or a blood clot in the lung, pulmonary embolism, can both lead to pleurisy. Cancer can spread to the pleural cavity from the lung or from other sources in the body. Injuries to the chest, especially rib fractures, can produce pleurisy. Collagen vascular diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, can produce pleurisy and pleural effusions in a chronic fashion. Congestive heart failure, kidney failure and liver disorders all can produce pleuritis.
Signs and Symptoms of Pleurisy Or Pleuritis
If the pleural inflammation occurs rapidly, such as in an infection or pulmonary embolism, the symptoms develop rapidly. Sharp chest pain occurs. The pain is accentuated, or increased, with breathing. You may feel short of breath or have difficulties breathing. The pain may vary from a vague discomfort to severe chest pain. The pain is usually located over the area where the pleura is inflamed. The pain may radiate into adjacent areas. Cough and fever may develop. The respiratory rate may be rapid and the depth of breathing may be reduced to shallow breaths. The development of a pleural effusion may actually decrease the pain, by allowing the inflamed pleural surfaces to glide by one another easier. The collection of fluid may make shortness of breath more pronounced. Chronic diseases that produce pleurisy may produce similar symptoms that develop slower over a longer period of time.
advertisement
Find more information
Advertisement
Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
Disclaimer
The information contained on this site is for the sole purpose of
being informative. This information is not and should not be used or relied upon as medical
advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, nurse
Or other qualified health care provider before you undergo any treatment or
for answers to any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please discontinue use
of MyElectronicMD and call 911 now.
Nothing contained on or provided through the service is intended to be or is
to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Your use of this site is subject to certain terms and conditions.
