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Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest (the pleura) that leads to chest pain when you take a breath or cough.

Causes of Pleurisy

Pleurisy may develop when you have lung inflammation due to infection, such as a viral infection, pneumonia or tuberculosis.

It may also occur with:

Pleurisy Symptoms



Pleurisy can cause fluid to collect inside the chest. This can make it harder to breathe. It can cause the following symptoms:

Tests and Exams

When you have pleurisy, the normally smooth surfaces lining the lung (the pleura) become rough. They rub together with each breath. This results in a rough, grating sound called a friction rub. Your health care provider can hear this sound with the stethoscope.

The health care provider may order the following tests:

Treatment of Pleurisy

Treatment depends on the cause of the pleurisy. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Surgery may be needed to drain infected fluid from the lungs.Viral infections normally run their course without medicines.

Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain.

Prognosis (Outlook)

Recovery depends on the cause of the pleurisy.

Potential Complications

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Collapsed lung due to thoracentesis
  • Complications from the original illness

When to Contact a Health Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of pleurisy. If you have breathing difficulty or your skin turns blue, seek medical care right away.

Prevention of Pleurisy

Early treatment of bacterial respiratory infections can prevent pleurisy.




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Review Date: 9/1/2013