Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.


Pleuritis Overview

What is pleuritis?
A person with pleuritis has inflammation of the pleura, which is a thin layer of tissue that lines the outside surface of the lung, and the inside surface of the chest wall. The most common causes of pleuritis are a viral upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, and autoimmune disease.

What are the symptoms of pleuritis?
Symptoms of pleuritis include sharp chest pain that worsens while coughing, when taking a deep breath, or during movement of the chest. The pain of pleuritis is usually occurs on only one side of the chest. Additional symptoms of pleuritis include difficulty breathing, fever, and rapid breathing rate.

How does the doctor treat pleuritis?
Treatment for pleuritis depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include narcotic pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain, or antibiotics.

Continue to Pleuritis Incidence

Last Updated: Mar 24, 2011 References

PubMed Pleuritis References