Pleurisy is inflammation of the membranes called pleura, which surround the lungs and lining the chest. The pleura has two layers that protect the lungs and breathing support. Pleurisy can be caused by an accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura or adhesions (dry pleurisy) that can stick to the lungs.
Inflammation of the pleura may be caused by microbes or injury. Pleurisy can also be caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung abscess.
The affected person feels great pain with every breath, coughing or sneezing. Sometimes pleurisy causes no sharp pain, but the patient experiences headache, fever, the pulse beats faster.
Complications can occur when fluid becomes infected.
If the pleurisy is caused by a microbe, the doctor prescribed antibiotics. If it is caused by another illness, the doctor treats the disease first. If breathing is difficult, it may be necessary to aspirate fluid using a needle. Analgesics are prescribed. It is urgent to see if the symptoms worsen.
22 avril 2010
| The text above is for information purposes only. Only a doctor can diagnose a disease. No treatment (medication or scheme) should be undertaken without consulting a health professional. |