Pleuritis
Pleurisy
Your lungs are covered with 2 thin layers of tissue called the pleura. One layer of tissue is on the lung and the other lines the chest cavity. In between these layers is a small space that is most often filled with a small amount of fluid. The fluid allows the 2 layers to glide over one another when you breathe in and out. Pleurisy happens when the layers of tissue or pleura become irritated as they rub against one another each time you breathe. This causes sharp pain when you breathe. Pleurisy can happen after a lung injury or infection. It may become a serious condition if not treated.
Name
Pleuritic Chest Pain Discharge Instructions
About this topic
Your lungs are covered with 2 thin layers of tissue called the pleura. One layer of tissue is on the lung and the other lines the chest cavity. In between these layers is a small space that is most often filled with a small amount of fluid. The fluid allows the 2 layers to glide over one another when you breathe in and out. Pleurisy happens when the layers of tissue or pleura become irritated as they rub against one another each time you breathe. This causes sharp pain when you breathe. Pleurisy can happen after a lung injury or infection. It may become a serious condition if not treated.
What drugs may be needed?
Fight an infection,Help with pain,Control coughing,Treat the cause of pleurisy
What problems could happen?
Fluid, air, or blood in the pleural space that may cause your lung to collapse,Trouble breathing,Infection,Chest pain,Cough
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, cough, more sputum, or change in color of sputum.,Blood seen in any mucus you may cough up,Trouble breathing,Sharp pain when you breathe in and out,Bluish color of the skin, lips, and nails,You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Body systems
Adult,Emergency Medicine,Respiratory
What are other common names?
Chest,Pain,Pleurisy,Pleuritis,Swelling of the Pleura
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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