Pleurisy or water on the lungs: causes, diagnosis and treatment. What are the effects of pleural inflammation on lung health

Pleurisy is a condition in which the pleura, two large, thin layers of tissue that separate the lungs from the chest wall, become inflamed. This condition causes acute chest pain that worsens with breathing.

The pleura, which is a small space between the two layers, acts like a smooth satin that slides past each other, allowing the lungs to expand and contract when you breathe.

Characterized by acute chest pain exacerbated by breathing, this condition can be a symptom of various underlying health problems, from infections to autoimmune disorders.

If you have pleurisy, these tissues swell and become inflamed, causing the pleural lining to rub against each other like sandpaper, causing pain when you breathe in and out. The pain eases or stops when you hold your breath.

symptom

Pleurisy is a condition characterized by sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or shoulder, often worsened by deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, or movement of the chest or trunk. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain that worsens with movement, shortness of breath, cough and fever.

Pleurisy may worsen with movement of the upper body and may spread to the shoulders or back. It may also occur alongside pleural effusion, atelectasis, or empyema.

Pleural effusion occurs when fluid builds up in the small space between the two layers of tissue, causing pleural pain to lessen or disappear.

Ateletasia occurs when a large amount of fluid in the pleural space creates pressure, compressing the lung and making breathing difficult.

Empyema, on the other hand, is when the extra fluid in the pleural space becomes infected, leading to a build-up of pus. Fever often occurs with an empyema. Monitoring the duration, progression, and recurrence of pleurisy can help doctors identify the cause.

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CAUSE

Pleurisy can be caused by various problems, often as a complication of another medical condition. According to HealthDirect, the most common cause is a viral infection, which spreads to the pleural cavity.

Other causes include autoimmune conditions, chest injuries, pulmonary emboli, tumors, lung cancer, asbestos inhalation, cancer treatments, HIV/AIDS, and sickle cell anemia.

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Diagnostic

A doctor evaluates you through conversation and examination, possibly listening to your chest with a stethoscope. He may order tests such as blood tests, chest imaging, needle biopsy of pleural fluid, and bronchoscopy to examine your airways. These tests may include ultrasound, X-ray, computed tomography, needle biopsy, and bronchoscopy.

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Treatment

Pleurisy is a condition where doctors treat the underlying cause of chest and shoulder pain by treating viral infections and bacterial infections. Treatment usually involves antibiotics for viral infections and pleural effusion, which can cause fluid to build up around the lungs.

Home management of pain may involve administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, doctors may prescribe pain and cough medications. Resting in certain positions, such as lying on the side of your chest that hurts, can also help relieve pain.

That said, recognizing the signs of pleurisy, from chest pain to shortness of breath, is vital to seeking timely medical attention. While treatment focuses primarily on relieving pain and addressing the underlying cause, understanding the various conditions that can trigger pleurisy empowers individuals to prioritize their respiratory health.

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