Pleurisy

Definition

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. This condition can cause sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pleurisy can be caused by infections, such as bacterial pneumonia or viral respiratory infections.
2. Symptoms include sharp chest pain that increases with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing.
3. A pleural friction rub, a grating sound heard through a stethoscope, is a common sign of pleurisy.
4. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may include antibiotics for infections or anti-inflammatory medications.
5. Complications of pleurisy can include pleural effusion, where excess fluid builds up between the layers of pleura.

Review Questions

• What are some common causes of pleurisy?
• Describe the typical symptoms experienced by a patient with pleurisy.
• How is pleurisy typically diagnosed and treated?

Related terms

Pleura: The thin membranes that envelop the lungs and line the chest cavity.

Pleural Effusion: The accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural cavity.

Thoracentesis: A medical procedure used to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall.