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Pleuritis is an Inflammation of the pleural tissue surrounding the Lungs.

Also referred to as Pleurisy and it affects the Pulmonary Circulation.

Causes pain in lungs, during breathing, or in chest that can be described as sharp.

Pain is from the layers rubbing against each other during certain activities.

Can be caused by infection and non-infection entities.

Sneezing, coughing, some movements can make pain worse.

Symptoms

• Cough
• Chest pain
• Pain with movements
• Weight loss
• Decrease appetite
• Difficulty breathing  (Dypsnea)
• Fever
• Chills
• Dizziness

Causes

• Virus infection  –  most common cause
• Bacterial infection
• High Blood Pressure  (Hypertension)
• Traumatic event to chest
• Aortic dissection
• Pneumothorax
• Pulmonary embolism
• Fungus infections
• Following heart surgery
• Others

Diagnosis

Chest X-ray can be helpful and may show fluid or air.

Provider listening to the lungs is essential

CT or MRI scan of the lungs may be required for a more in depth evaluation.

Ultrasound can be used in some cases.

Blood testing

Treatment

****Depends largely on cause

Medications

• Indomethacin
• Codeine
• Antibiotics

Thoracentesis

• The removal of fluid when a small needle is placed into chest.