Pleurisy

Pleurisy (PLOOR-iss-ee) is caused by swelling and irritation of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. It is usually a symptom of another illness. It is also called Pleuritic Chest Pain.


Causes
There are many causes of pleurisy.
Infections caused by virus, bacteria, fungus, tuberculosis, or parasites
mesothelioma or cancer spread from other areas
Collagen vascular disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoid disease, or scleroderma
Trauma from bruised or broken ribs
Gastrointestinal diseases including pancreatitis, peritonitis, or a collection of pus under the diaphragm
Negative reaction to drugs, for example methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) and penicillin
Other causes
Uremia
Blood clot in lung
Radiation therapy
Sickle cell disease
Chemotherapy drugs
Asbestos
HIV


Symptoms
The biggest symptom is severe chest pain that starts suddenly. The pain is often strong or stabbing when you take a deep breath. It usually subsides or disappears between breaths. It's usually felt on one side of the stomach area or lower chest. Deep breathing and coughing often make it worse. You may also have a fever, pain when moving, or fast, shallow breathing. Typically, you will be able to point to the exact location of the pain. In some people, the pain spreads to the neck, shoulder, or abdomen.


Treatment
While the doctor looks for the cause, you will get medicine to ease the pain and help you breathe easier. Pleurisy is frequently diagnosed only when other more serious causes have been ruled out.
When you have been diagnosed with pleurisy and more serious causes of chest pain have been ruled out, you will probably get a prescription for pain medicine.
You may be prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), or naproxen (Naprosyn). You may even receive stronger medicine, such as codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin), or oxycodone (Percocet).
If you have a lot of fluid in your chest, it may need to be drained.


Interesting facts
Sometimes a cause cannot be found. Doctors call this ideopathic (id-e-o-PATH-ik) pleurisy. Even though the cause isn't known, the problem can still be treated.


Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001371.htm
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/pleurisy/article_em.htm
http://www.healthsquare.com/ndfiles/nd0405.htm