Pleurisy is a disease in which the lining of the lungs becomes inflamed.Infections such as a cold or cough can also trigger it. Pleurisy consists of two layers of lining around the lungs which are separated by fluid through which they can contract and expand when they breathe. Also, pleurisy is a symptom characterized by thoracic or chest pain. It is a medical condition that affects the two layers of tissue called pleura, it acts as a separator between the chest wall and lungs. Pleurisy is also known as pleuritis, it occurs when there is swelling in the inflammation of the pleura. In addition to this, the fluid consisting of pleural space may thicken and also rub together the pleura. These conditions cause chest pain called pleuritic pain.
Causes Of Pleurisy
Pleurisy is a viral infection such as a bacterial infection and the flu. Some conditions, such as lung cancer or blood clots blocking blood flow to the lungs, can cause the disease. Pleurisy develops when lung inflammation due to infection such as viral infection, tuberculosis or pneumonia. A variety of conditions can cause pleurisy. This includes :
- Bacteria infections such as pneumonia
- Viral infections such as the flu
- Tuberculosis
- A certain inherited disease, such as sickle cell disease
- Fungal infection
- Lungs cancer near the pleural surface
- Rib fracture of trauma
- An autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
The most common symptom of pleurisy is chest pain, many times this pain is felt in the shoulder. Other symptoms of this disease include a dry cough and shortness of breath. Pleurisy may happen when lung inflammation is due to various infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and viral infection. It may also occur with cancers and chest trauma. Coughing, chest movement and Deep breathing makes the pain worse. Pleurisy may involve the following symptoms, which have been
discussed below :
- Severe chest pain goes away when the human or individual holds their breath.
- When pleurisy occurs in specific locations of the lungs, then the pain might be felt in certain parts of the body such as the shoulder, neck, or abdomen.
- Shallow breathing is rapid in response to the pain.
There are also various symptoms of pleural effusion such as cough, fever, unexpected weight loss, a sore throat followed by pain and swelling in the joints and shortness of breath.
Diagnosis Of Pleurisy
Diagnosis is the procedure of identifying a disease, a condition, or injury from its symptoms or signs. Several tests may be used to make a diagnosis such as blood tests, biopsies, and imaging tests. The doctors do several diagnostic tests and physical exams including:
- Chest x-ray:- It is an imaging test that uses x-rays to look at the organs and structures in the chest. The healthcare provider see how well the heart and lungs are working or not.
- Blood tests:- blood tests examine or measure cells, proteins chemicals, or other substances in the blood.
- Electrocardiogram:- electrocardiogram helps to use the small electrodes on the
body to see how well the heart is working. This process ensures that the heart The problem isn’t causing chest pain.
