Pleurisy (also called Pleuritis) is an
inflamation of the pleural membranes (which is where the name
pleurisy is from) that both surround the
lungs and line the ribcage. these membranes are responsible for supplying
lubrication (called serous fluids) between the moving parts of the lungs and the body.
Causes
Pleurisy tends to be caused by an underlying disease and rarely occurs on its own.
Diseases that pleurisy often accompanies are:
Types of Pleurisy
Pleurisy is classified as being either
dry or
effusive.
Symptoms of dry pleurisy:
Severe,
sharp, but quick pain, often only on one side of the
chest, that occurs when breathing deeply, coughing, or sneezing. A doctor can diagnose dry pleurisy by listening for raspy sounds of the membranes rubbing together.
Dry pleurisy reduces the amount of lubrication created and results in a sticking pain. the pleural lining becomes covered with an excretion of
lymph and
fibrin, which cause
abrasions on the pleural membranes when they come into contact with each other, the lungs, or the chest wall. these abrasions are usually
permanent and can seriously
reduce lung expansion.
Symptoms of Pleural Effusion:
shortness of breath (caused by
pressure from the fuid on the lungs), a dry cough. A doctor would use chest x-rays to
diagnose fluid within the pleural membranes.
Effusive pleurisy causes a build up of serous fluid within the pleural space. the
inflamed areas of the pleura may stick together by adhesions, which are usually
permanent. This type of
pleurisy, though more
serious, hurts less than dry pleurisy due to the
cushioning effect of the excess fluid.
Prognosis and Treatment
Pleurisy is general considered only as
serious as the underlying
condition which brought it about. Antibiotics,
codeine based cough-syrup, and anti-inflammatory drugs are often perscribed. In the event of pleural effusion, a
hospital stay may be required, and the liquid may be removed through a chest
tube and examined to determine their
cause. Often, symptoms without complications clear completely and spontaneously in 2 weeks.
As a personal note: dry pleurisy
hurts like the dickens.