Pleurisy (or pleuritis) is an infection, viral or bacterial
in origin, caused by an inflammation of the pleura—
the sac-like membrane surrounding the lungs
The two
layers of the inflamed pleura rub together to cause the
characteristic creaking noise in the chest that makes
diagnosis so easy. A surplus of pleural fluid may also
be produced by the inflammation, causing a pleural
effusion which can be detected on physical examination.
In a very few cases, pleurisy may be an indication of
more serious diseases such as lung cancer or pulmonary
embolism, while chronic pleurisy may be a symptom of
tuberculosis.
Before the advent of antibiotics, pleurisy
was a life-threatening condition and one of the most
common causes of death, particularly in children. Today,the condition is usually easily diagnosed and treated in
the early stages.
CAUTION
If you do not feel better after a day (taking doses
every hour), see your physician.
Symptoms
• stabbing pain, usually at a particular point in inhalation
or on coughing