Pleurisy
Definition
Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining of the lungs that causes pain when you take a breath or cough.
Alternative Names
Pleuritis; Pleuritic chest painCauses
Pleurisy may develop when you have lung inflammation due to infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. It may also occur with:
- Asbestos-related disease
- Certain cancers
- Chest trauma
- Pulmonary embolus
- Rheumatic diseases
When you have pleurisy, the normally smooth lining of the lung (the pleura) become rough. They rub together with each breath, and may produce a rough, grating sound called a "friction rub." The health care professional can hear this sound with the stethoscope, or by placing an ear against the chest.
References
Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1005.
Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000: 497-498.
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