Pleurisy
Pleurisy, inflammation of the pleura membrane that lines the chest cavity and contains the lung. Most cases are caused by infection, and many are associated with pneumonia in the underlying lung. Some cases are caused by viral infections. Occasionally pleurisy may occur in other diseases such as tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatic fever, and kidney failure. Pleurisy may develop in conjunction with a blood clot on the lung; it may also be associated with the development of fluid in the pleural space between the chest wall and the lung.
The characteristic symptom of pleurisy is sharp pain brought on by breathing and coughing. The patient breathes shallowly. If considerable fluid accumulates, the pain may subside, but the underlying lung may be compressed by the fluid and the patient may feel short of breath. On examination the doctor can occasionally hear the inflamed surfaces of the pleura rubbing together and producing a rough sound. Treatment of pleurisy attempts to cure the underlying disease causing it. The pain is controlled with analgesic drugs and steroids.
Symptomatic pain
The hallmark symptom of pleurisy is sudden, intense chest pain that is usually located over the area of inflammation. Although the pain can be constant, it is usually most severe when the lungs move during breathing, coughing, sneezing, or even talking. The pain is usually described as shooting or stabbing, but in minor cases it resembles a mild cramp. When pleurisy occurs in certain locations, such as near the diaphragm, the pain may be felt in other areas such as the neck, shoulder, or abdomen (referred pain). Another indication of pleurisy is that holding one's breath or exerting pressure against the chest causes pain relief.
Causes & symptoms
The most common sources of pleural inflammation.
- Infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other bacterial or viral respiratory infections
- Immune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcoidosis
- Diseases, including cancer, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, and heart or kidney failure
- Injury, from a rib fracture, collapsed lung, esophagus rupture, blood clot, or material such as asbestos
- Drug reactions, from certain drugs used to treat tuberculosis (isoniazid), cancer (methotrexate, procarbazine), or the immune disorders mentioned above (hydralazine, procainamide, phenytoin, quinidine).
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This site will be constantly updated. The information on this site is not meant to take the place of a doctors advice. This information should be used as a guide and to try to understand Lupus. Very few people will have the same exact symptoms, this is simply a guideline of what I have experienced. The things on this site are from my own experience and research I've done. |
09/19/01 08:25:56 AM
