Pleurisy - What's Happening in Your Lungs?
Pleurisy occurs when the pleura (pleura) is inflamed. The pleura fits tightly around the outside of the lungs. The pleura sits tightly against the chest wall. Together, they form the lung cavity (pleural space). This cavity normally contains a small amount of lung fluid. This presses the lungs (and their pleura) against the pleura. When you breathe, the lungs glide smoothly over each other via this fluid. This happens naturally; you don't feel it. With pleurisy, this no longer happens so smoothly. The gliding changes to chafing, which causes a sharp pain during breathing.
There are two types of pleurisy: dry and wet. Dry pleurisy involves inflammation without fluid accumulation. Wet pleurisy involves inflammation with fluid accumulation: there is a lot of fluid in the lung cavity. People with pleurisy may experience sharp chest pain. The pain is worsened by (deep) breathing. Sneezing, coughing, and moving can also be painful. Shortness of breath during exertion, a dry cough, and fever can also be symptoms of pleurisy. A doctor can diagnose the condition.
Pleurisy itself is not contagious. However, the illnesses that cause it, such as pneumonia or acute bronchitis, can be contagious. Pleurisy can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, such as influenza. The condition mainly occurs when you also have another illness. Pleurisy has many different causes, and your doctor knows best which advice is appropriate for the underlying condition. Rest is the most important thing you can do yourself if you have pleurisy.
More information about what pleurisy is, its symptoms and causes, and what you can do yourself can be found at www.longfonds.nl/pleuritis.