Pleurisy(Pleuritis)How to Say It: PLUR-is-see
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionPleurisy is swelling of the two layers of tissue (pleura) around the lungs. The inner layer is attached to the lungs. The outer layer is attached to the chest wall. It can cause chest pain and make it hard to breathe.
CausesCauses may be:
Risk FactorsThings that may raise the risk of this problem are:
SymptomsProblems may be:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. A diagnosis may be made based on the pain. Tests may be done to look for a cause. Pictures may be taken of your chest. This can be done with: Other tests may be:
TreatmentThe cause will need to be treated. This may include medicine or surgery. PreventionThere are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem. Managing the conditions that may cause it can help. RESOURCES:American Lung Association http://www.lung.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov References:Pleural effusion. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed December 31, 2020. Pleurisy. Cedars-Sinai website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed December 31, 2020. Pleuritis—approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/pleuritis-approach-to-the-patient. Accessed December 31, 2020. Reamy BV, Williams PM, et al. Pleuritic Chest Pain: Sorting Through the Differential Diagnosis. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Sep 1;96(5):306-312. Last reviewed December 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 12/31/2020 | |
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