Pleurisy
Also known as the Devil's fingers, pleurisy is a painful condition that you feel whenever you breathe in or out. Usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the pleural membranes, they become inflamed and rub or lose their lubricating capacity. Treatment may consist of anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and even restriction of lungs by binding the outside of the chest to prevent deep breathing and consequent pain.
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- Q What causes pleurisy?
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Pleurisy is caused by other medical conditions, most commonly viral infections that can inflame your lungs like tuberculosis and pneumonia. Other conditions that can cause pleurisy include bacterial infections; some cancers (lung cancer, lymphoma,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of pleurisy?
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The most notable symptom of pleurisy is chest pain that occurs when you breathe, cough, sneeze, or move your chest in other ways. You may also experience shoulder pain, breathing difficulties, fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, and coughing as a... Full Answer
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- Q What is pleurisy?
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Pleurisy is a lung condition where the lining of your lungs and chest cavity are inflamed. The lung and chest cavity lining is called the pleura. Pleurisy causes sharp chest pains when you cough or breathe. Full Answer
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- Q How is pleurisy diagnosed?
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Diagnosis for pleurisy includes a physical exam and discussion of symptoms. The pain associated with pleurisy is a distinguishing characteristic and often helps a doctor make a diagnosis. It typically involves the quick onset of sharp chest pain during... Full Answer
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- Q How is pleurisy treated?
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Treatment options for pleurisy depend on the underlying cause. Pain relievers are used to treat pain and antibiotics are used for infections. If a virus is the cause, then it is allowed to run its course. Corticosteroids may be prescribed if an... Full Answer
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- Q What are complications of pleurisy?
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General: In most cases, pleurisy causes no long-term problems once the underlying cause is treated. Complications may arise in certain patients, however, and depending on the cause, symptoms may recur.Pleural effusions: Pleural effusions are the... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect pleurisy?
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The most significant way that other illnesses affect pleurisy is that they cause the condition in the first place and decide how well pleurisy can be treated. Pleurisy is considered a complication of other illnesses such as viral infections, disease,... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with pleurisy?
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The main thing for you to understand about pleurisy is that it is painful. Your loved one may be in constant pain, possibly even severe pain that prevents him or her from performing simple daily activities. Just be there to listen and support as well as... Full Answer
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- Q Is pleurisy serious?
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The conditions that cause pleurisy are usually more serious than the condition itself. Though pleurisy is a painful condition, with treatment it is not very serious. Treatment is necessary though, because pleurisy can cause complications such as a... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my pleurisy on a daily basis?
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Doctors usually prescribe medications to help alleviate the painful and uncomfortable symptoms that come with pleurisy, so one of the best ways to manage your condition is to follow your doctor's instructions about these medications. Lying on the side... Full Answer
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