Pleurisy – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Pleurisy happens when the pleura becomes inflamed. The pleura consists of two thin tissue layers that separate the lungs from the chest wall. One layer covers the lungs while the other lines the inner chest wall.
Between these layers lies a small space containing minimal fluid. In normal breathing, these pleural layers slide smoothly against each other like satin.
However, when pleurisy develops, the tissues swell and become inflamed. This inflammation causes the pleural layers to rub against each other roughly, similar to sandpaper.
The main symptom of pleurisy is sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing. This pain, called pleuritic pain, typically decreases or stops completely when a person holds their breath.
Key Facts About Pleurisy:
- Also known as pleuritis
- Causes sharp chest pain during breathing
- Pain lessens when breathing stops
- Treatment focuses on:
- Pain management
- Addressing the underlying cause
Signs and Symptoms
Pleurisy often causes pain in the chest that gets worse when breathing, coughing, or sneezing. People with pleurisy may also feel short of breath because they try not to breathe deeply to avoid pain.
Some individuals may develop a cough, while others might experience fever.
The pain from pleurisy can become more intense when you move your upper body. It might also spread to your shoulders or back area.
Several conditions can occur along with pleurisy:
Pleural Effusion
Fluid sometimes collects between the two layers of tissue. When this happens, the pain may decrease or stop because the layers no longer rub against each other.
Lung Collapse
If a large amount of fluid builds up, it can press on the lung. This pressure might cause part or all of the lung to collapse, which doctors call atelectasis. This makes breathing difficult and may lead to coughing.
Empyema
Sometimes the fluid in the pleural space becomes infected, creating pus. This condition often causes fever.
When to Get Medical Help
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have unexplained, severe chest pain while breathing. This might indicate a problem with your lungs, heart, or pleura.
It could also be a sign of a serious underlying illness that needs prompt medical attention. Don’t ignore chest pain, as early treatment leads to better outcomes.
What Causes Pleurisy
Pleurisy has several possible causes. Infections are common triggers, including:
- Viral infections (like the flu)
- Bacterial infections (such as pneumonia)
- Fungal infections
Medical conditions can also lead to pleurisy:
- Autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Lung cancer
- Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Tuberculosis
Other causes include physical injury (rib fractures or trauma), genetic conditions like sickle cell disease, and reactions to certain medications or recreational drugs.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing pleurisy:
Infections:
- Influenza (flu)
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Medical Conditions:
- Lupus
- Sickle cell disease
- Other autoimmune disorders
Substances:
- Certain medications
- Some recreational drugs
People with weakened immune systems face higher risks of developing infections that can lead to pleurisy. The condition often starts with a respiratory infection that spreads to the pleural space.
Age can also play a role. Both very young children and older adults may have more difficulty fighting off infections that can lead to pleurisy.
If you’ve had pleurisy before, you might be more likely to develop it again, especially if the underlying cause wasn’t fully treated.
Exposure to certain environmental factors like asbestos or chemicals might damage lung tissue and increase risk.
Regular check-ups and prompt treatment of respiratory infections can help reduce your risk, especially if you have one of the underlying conditions mentioned above.
