Inflammation of the PLEURA or serous membrane investing the lung and lining the inner surface of the ribs. It is a common condition, and may be either ACUTE or chronic, the latter being usually tuberculous in origin (see TUBERCULOSIS).
Many cases of pleurisy are associated with only a little effusion, the inflammation consisting chiefly in exudation of FIBRIN: to this form the term ‘dry pleurisy’ is applied. Further, pleurisy may be limited to a very small area – or, on the contrary, may affect, throughout a greater or less extent, the pleural surfaces of both lungs.
Pleurisy is often associated with other forms of inflammatory disease within the chest, more particularly PNEUMONIA, BRONCHIECTASIS, and tuberculosis; it occasionally accompanies PERICARDITIS. It may also be due to carcinoma of the lung, or be secondary to abdominal infections such as subphrenic abscess. Further, wounds or injuries of the thoracic walls are apt to set up pleurisy.
The symptoms of pleurisy vary, being generally well marked, but sometimes obscure.
The chief symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain in the side, felt especially with each inspiration of breath. There is a slight, dry cough; breathing is quicker than normal and there may be fever and a RIGOR.
This varies greatly with the form and severity of the attack. Bed rest, antibiotics, analgesics and antipyretics are usual. A large pleural effusion may need to be drained by ASPIRATION.