Pleurisy Symptoms

Pleurisy, or pleuritis occurs when both the layers of pleura are inflamed due to certain infections. Pleura protects the lungs and reduces the friction between them when they contract and expand in the process of breathing. There are two layers, one layer covers the lungs and is called visceral pleura and the other sac known as parietal pleura forms a lining to cover the inner wall of the chest. The pleural fluid keeps both these layers well lubricated. Accumulation of extra fluid or pleural effusion can often be related to pleurisy. This condition is also known as "water in the lungs". Pleurisy mainly affects the lungs. It can be an indication of underlying lung diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), influenza or flu. Pleurisy symptoms can also be observed in people suffering from rheumatic diseases, asbestosis, lung cancer etc.

Causative Factors for Pleurisy
Though pleurisy symptoms are mainly caused due to viral infections, there are some other causes also. Given below are some of the causes of pleurisy:

• Fungal infections or infections caused by parasites like tuberculosis is one of the major causes of pleuritis.
• If cancers like breast cancer or lung cancer spread to the pleura, then it can lead to pleurisy.
• Fractures to the ribs or trauma in the lungs due to accident.
• Blood clot inside the lungs, also known as pulmonary embolism, and obstruction of the lymph nodes can lead to damage of the lung tissue, resulting in pleuritis. Even if there is improper supply of oxygen or blood to the lungs, it may be a cause for pleuritis.
• There are certain drugs like Procan, Dilantin, Hydralazine etc. that are known to cause pleurisy.
• Other causes of pleurisy are chest muscle strain, pericarditis or inflammation around the heart, exposure to ammonia and rheumatoid diseases etc.

Indications of Pleurisy in Adults

• One of the most common symptoms of pleuritis is a sharp, stabbing pain that can be experienced while taking deep breaths. It is usually preceded by a burning sensation or dull ache in the region surrounding the lungs.
• The color of the skin around the chest turns bluish in color which is known as cyanosis.
• Pleurisy symptoms and back pain are closely associated, along with a stinging sensation in the neck, abdomen and shoulders.
• Another symptom of pleurisy is dry cough followed by shortness of breath or rapid shallow breaths or tachypnea. The cough may also be wet with traces of phlegm and blood.
• Poor appetite and unexplained weight loss are other symptoms of pleurisy.
• The person may also tend to suffer from fever and chills.

Pleurisy Treatment
There are various methods for treating pleurisy depending on its cause. To determine the extremity of pleurisy, the doctor may perform thoracentesis, a process where the fluid is removed and tested for any infection. A few methods of treatment are listed below

• If you are suffering from pleurisy caused due to blood clot in the lungs, the doctor may prescribe anticoagulants in order to dissolve the blood clots and improve the flow of blood.
• In case of pleural effusion, you may need to undergo a process known as pleurodesis, in order to drain the excessive fluids from your lungs.
• If viral or bacterial infections are the root cause of pleuritis, then they can be cured with the help of medications like antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In extreme cases, a surgical procedure is required in order to drain out the infected fluid, caused due to bacterial infections.

It is essential to diagnose pleurisy symptoms at early stages and it is advisable to immediately start treatment in order to avoid further complications.