Pleurisy

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pleura, which is the double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the rib cage. This condition leads to sharp chest pain or discomfort that typically worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing, due to the roughened pleural surfaces rubbing against each other. Pleurisy can be caused by a variety of factors including infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), autoimmune diseases, lung cancer, chest trauma, and pulmonary embolism, among others.

Diagnosis of pleurisy involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, particularly listening for the distinctive pleural rub with a stethoscope, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds to visualize pleural inflammation or fluid. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include pain management with analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids, as well as addressing any primary condition such as antibiotics for bacterial infection. In some cases, excess pleural fluid may necessitate drainage to ease symptoms and prevent complications.