Pleurisy - Medtick
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Pleurisy

What is it?

When the lining of the lungs (the pleura) becomes irritated and/or inflamed.

The pleura

  • The pleura is actually a membrane that contains two thin membranes—one that lines your lungs (the visceral pleura- this contains nerves that can cause symptoms) and one that lines the inside of your chest cavity (the parietal pleura- it does not contain nerves).
  • The visceral and parietal pleurae are separated by a small cavity referred to as the pleural cavity and this contains the pleural fluid. Together its act as a cushion, reducing friction on the lungs when you breathe in and out.- If the pleural fluid builds up in excess it can cause symptoms of pleurisy.

Diagnosis Tests

verywellhealth

Cause

Treatments

  • Chest or lung or heart surgery

Medication

  • Medication or drug reactions that cause a lupus type reaction

Symptoms

(Symptoms can vary)

  • Sharp, stabbing, or burning chest pain that occurs with deep breathing, coughing, sneezing and/or laughing?
  • Shoulder pain (chest pain may spread to the shoulder or neck due to inflammation of a nerve called the phrenic nerve, which causes the diaphragm to work, the diaphragm is a tissue below the lungs that helps us to breath)?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C, 100°F or over greater than 72 hours, chills and sweats?
  • Persistent Hiccups?
  • Rapid breathing?
  • Short of breath and/or breathing difficulties and/or after exercise?
  • Breathing difficulties when lying down?
  • Bluish skin on hands and fingers (lack of oxygen in the blood)?
  • Weight loss?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can lead to:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Pleurisy in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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