PLEURA
An inflammation of the pleura, which is the skinny, clear membrane which wraps the lungs and lines the within of the chest walls, is known a pleurisy. This happens when the pleura is irritated by a virus or bacteria that results in inflammation. In some cases pleural effusion occurs causing an irregular collection of fluids to build up in the pleural space which can generate an even more treacherous situation. When fluid does not form this condition is known as dry pleurisy. Once the inflammation has collapsed, the pleura may go back to normal. But in some cases unions form causing the pleural layers to stick together.
In most circumstances pleurisy is caused by a lung disease such as pneumonia or a viral infection such as pleurodynia. Less common causes may include lung cancer, pulmonary embolism or rheumatoid arthritis. The indications include a sharp chest pain that will move to the tip of the shoulder on the side that is affected. Even though the pain will be incessant and it will be much inferior when breathing or coughing. In some cases the pain is felt in the abdomen or neck and breathing will be shallow. When large amounts of fluids accumulate there may be additional respiratory distress.
Pain from this condition is caused when the two inflamed membranes rub across each other. Although the treatment of pleurisy will depend on the actual cause a doctor can usually diagnose based on the pain and by listening to the chest with a stethoscope. In many cases the doctor may hear a squeaky rubbing sound that is known as a pleural rub. An x-ray may be given and even though pleurisy will not show on an x-ray evidence of a rib fracture, lung disease or a collection of fluid in the pleural space may be revealed. Once the diagnosis has been made the cause of the pleurisy will be treated. When a bacterial infection is found the patient will be treated with antibiotics. If a viral infection is found no treatment is needed but if the cause is related to an autoimmune disease treatment is needed to resolve the condition.
