Pleurisy
Pleurisy
It is defined is the inflammation of the pleural membrane which is the double layer membrane which cover your lungs and separate them from the chest wall. It is also known as pleuritis, it produces severe sharp pain which become more exaggerated during breathing. Between two layers of pleura there is fluid which provide frictionless movement of pleura during breathing.
Symptoms
Below mention are the signs and symptoms of pleurisy:
- Fever
- Malaise
- Chest pain
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Sneezing
Causes
The causes of pleuritis includes:
- Fungal infection
- Viral infection like influenza
- Bacterial infection like pneumonia
- Rib fracture
- Lung cancer
- Tuberculosis
- Medications which start autoimmune reaction against pleura
Diagnosis
After taking history and conducting a physical examination your doctor recommends the following diagnostic test to check the extend of disease:
- Chest x-ray to check the condition of lungs
- Blood test to see any causative organism
- Ct scan
- Ultrasound to exclude pleural effusion
- Thoracentesis
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the severity and cause of the infection which produce pleuritis. If have pleurisy due to bacterial infection then antibiotics will be prescribed to you by your doctor. If fungal infection is there then anti-fungal will work. Viral infection resolves on its own. NSAIDs and painkillers are given to reduce the pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Following tips will help to reduce the inflammation of pleura:
- Stop smoking
- Take rest and eat healthy food
- Take medications on time