|
|
Pleurisy
Alternate Names : Pleuritic Chest Pain, Pleuritis
Definition Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the lungs, with subsequent pain.
Pictures & Images
See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pleurisy may develop in the presence of lung inflammation (for example, pneumonia, tuberculosis), rheumatic diseases, chest trauma, certain cancers, and asbestos-related disease. The main symptom is pain over the chest wall at the site of the inflammation. In some circumstances, the pain may be felt in the shoulder.
The pain is increased by deep breathing, coughing, and chest movement. The normally smooth pleural surfaces, now roughened by inflammation, rub together with each breath, and may produce a rough, grating sound called a "friction rub". This can be heard with the stethoscope or an ear held against the chest.
Fluid often accumulates at the site of pleural inflammation. A localized collection of fluid separates the lung pleura from the chest wall pleura causing the chest pain to disappear even though the illness may be worsening.
Large accumulations of fluid compromise breathing and may cause coughing, shortness of breath with rapid breathing (tachypnea), cyanosis, and retractions.
Today's Top News Stories | | Early Elective C-Sections Produce Complications - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00 Babies delivered at 37 weeks have double the troubles of those born at 39 weeks.
| | Gene Governs Response to Leukemia Chemotherapy - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most common pediatric cancer. | | Teen Birth Rate Up in 26 States in 2006 - Jan 07, 2009, 14:00 Highest rates in South, Southwest; lowest rates in Northeast, government reports. | | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 7, 2009 - Jan 07, 2009, 09:58
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric)
- Memory Loss
| | Study of Everest Climbers Questions Oxygen Use - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00 Whether low levels would work for ER patients with hypoxia remains unclear. |
|
Jump to another section
Definition Pleurisy Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Pleurisy Symptoms & Signs Pleurisy Prevention Pleurisy Diagnosis & Tests Pleurisy Treatment Pleurisy Prognosis Pleurisy Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Pleural Effusion Pneumonia Pulmonary Tuberculosis The Flu
Tests & Exams
CBC Chest X-Ray Thoracentesis Ultrasound
Other Topics
Breath Sounds Breathing Difficulty Chest Pain Cough Fever Malaise Physical Examination Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation) Respiratory Skin Discoloration - Bluish
Review Date : 1/27/2002
Reviewed By : David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|