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November 23, 2009

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Pleurisy

Symptoms & Signs Index

Terms related to Pleurisy:

Chest Pain with Breathing
Pain, Chest with Breathing
Shortness of Breath

Pleurisy is inflammation of the linings around the lungs (the pleura). There are two layers of pleura; one covering the lung and the other covering the inner wall of the chest. These two layers are lubricated by pleural fluid. Pleurisy is characterized by pain in the chest with breathing. Pleurisy can also cause pain, cough, chest tenderness, and shortness of breath.

Pleurisy is frequently associated with the accumulation of extra fluid in the space between the two layers of pleura. This fluid is referred to as a pleural effusion. Pleurisy is also referred to as pleuritis.

Main Articles on Pleurisy

Pleurisy

Causes of Pleurisy

Other Causes of Pleurisy

Abdominal processes: such as pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver
Cancers: for example, the spread of lung cancer or breast cancer
Congestion: heart failure
Connective tissue diseases: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis
Infections: bacterial, mycobacteria, fungus, parasites, or viruses
Inhaled particles: exposure to asbestos
Lung embolism: blood clot inside the blood vessels to the lungs
Lung infarction: lung tissue death due to lack of oxygen from poor blood supply
Obstruction of lymph channels: because of centrally located lung tumors
Trauma: rib fractures or injury from instruments in the chest from an operation, car accidents
Tumors of the pleura: mesothelioma or sarcoma

Examples of Medications for Pleurisy

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