Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is a condition in which the pleura, which is the membrane that covers the lungs and the inside of the chest, becomes inflamed, causing symptoms such as pain in the chest and ribs, coughing and difficulty breathing, for example.
Normally, pleurisy arises due to the accumulation of fluid between the two layers of the pleura, also known as pleural effusion, and, therefore, it is more frequent in people with respiratory problems, such as flu, pneumonia or pulmonary fungal infections. In addition, heavy blows to the chest can also cause lung damage, resulting in pleurisy.
Whenever pleurisy is suspected, it is important to consult a pulmonologist or general practitioner, to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment, which in addition to including treatment for the cause, can also be done with anti-inflammatories, to reduce discomfort.
Main symptoms
Pleurisy usually causes symptoms related to breathing, such as:
- Intense and constant pain in the chest or ribs; Pain that worsens when breathing deeply, coughing or sneezing; Feeling of shortness of breath; Constant cough; Persistent fever.
In addition, it is also quite common for pain to radiate to the shoulders or back, depending on the inflamed site of the pleura and the extent of the injury.
Whenever any of these symptoms appear, it is important to consult a pulmonologist or general practitioner, especially when there is already a previous respiratory problem, as it may be a sign of worsening.
Is pleurisy severe?
Pleurisy is usually not severe, however, it may be a sign that treatment for a respiratory problem is not being effective. Therefore, whenever there is suspicion, it is important to consult the doctor to review the treatment.
How to confirm the diagnosis
To confirm the diagnosis of pleurisy, it is usually necessary to consult a pulmonologist and do tests such as blood tests, chest X-rays, computed tomography or ultrasound. In addition, some doctors may also order an electrocardiogram to check for a possible heart problem that may be causing pain in the chest area.
How the treatment is done
Treatment is usually started with the use of anti-inflammatories, such as Ibuprofen, to reduce pain and relieve discomfort. However, it is necessary to identify the cause of pleurisy to also make its treatment and prevent the lung membrane from remaining inflamed.
In addition, it is also advisable to maintain rest, avoiding efforts that can lead to increased respiratory rate, such as running or climbing stairs, for example.
The use of respiratory physiotherapy can also be indicated and, in these sessions, lung exercises are used that allow to recover all the respiratory capacity, as the pleura stops being inflamed. Learn more about this type of physiotherapy.
