A sharp, stabbing pain in your chest every time you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze can be frightening. One possible cause is pleurisy. So, what is pleurisy? It is inflammation of the pleura, the thin, two-layered membrane that surrounds your lungs and lines the inside of your chest wall. When these layers become inflamed, they rub against each other with every breath, causing sharp pain.
Pleurisy can be caused by something as common as a viral infection or as serious as a blood clot in the lungs. Because chest pain can also signal a heart attack, it should always be evaluated quickly. If you need an Emergency Room in Del Rio, STAT Specialty Hospital is open 24/7.
How The Pleura Works
Normally, a small amount of fluid between the two pleural layers allows them to glide smoothly as your lungs expand and contract. When inflammation develops, the surfaces become rough. Instead of gliding, they grate against each other, much like two pieces of sandpaper.
Common Causes Of Pleurisy
1. Viral Infections (Flu, Colds, And COVID-19)
Viruses are the most common cause of pleurisy, especially in younger, healthy adults.
2. Bacterial Infections (Pneumonia And Tuberculosis)
Pneumonia can spread inflammation to the pleura. Tuberculosis is a less common but important cause.
3. Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot In The Lungs)
A blood clot that travels to the lungs can cause sudden, sharp chest pain and shortness of breath. This is a medical emergency.
4. Autoimmune Diseases (Lupus And Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Conditions where the immune system attacks the body can inflame the pleura.
5. Chest Injury (Rib Fractures And Trauma)
Car accidents, falls, or blows to the chest can injure the pleura or ribs.
6. Other Causes (Cancer, Medicines, And Heart Surgery)
Lung cancer, certain medicines, kidney disease, and recent heart surgery can also lead to pleurisy.
Symptoms Of Pleurisy
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain: that gets worse when you breathe in, cough, sneeze, or laugh.
- Pain that spreads: to the shoulder or back.
- Shortness of breath: often because breathing deeply hurts.
- Shallow breathing: to avoid pain.
- Dry cough.
- Fever and chills: if an infection is the cause.
Pleurisy Vs. Pleural Effusion
Sometimes fluid builds up between the pleural layers. This is called a pleural effusion. Interestingly, as fluid collects, the sharp pain may decrease because the layers are no longer rubbing together. However, a large effusion can press on the lung and make breathing very difficult.
When To See A Doctor
Any new, unexplained chest pain should be checked. Call 911 or go to the ER immediately if you have:
- Sudden, severe chest pain.
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
- Coughing up blood.
- Rapid heartbeat or lightheadedness.
- Leg swelling or pain along with chest pain, which may signal a blood clot.
- High fever with chest pain.
Diagnosis And Testing
- Physical exam: a doctor may hear a scratchy sound called a pleural friction rub.
- Chest X-ray: looks for pneumonia, fluid, or other lung problems.
- CT scan: can detect blood clots and fluid buildup.
- Ultrasound: helps measure fluid around the lungs.
- Blood tests: check for infection, inflammation, and autoimmune disease.
- EKG: helps rule out a heart attack or pericarditis.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause and on relieving pain:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines: such as ibuprofen to ease pain and inflammation.
- Antibiotics: for bacterial infections such as pneumonia.
- Blood thinners: for pulmonary embolism.
- Fluid drainage: a procedure called thoracentesis may remove fluid from around the lungs.
- Treating autoimmune conditions: with medicines that calm the immune system.
Patients with large fluid collections, severe infections, or blood clots may need closer monitoring and inpatient care until they are stable.
Home Care Tips
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity until pain improves.
- Lie on the painful side, which may ease discomfort for some people.
- Take pain relievers as directed by your doctor.
- Practice gentle deep breathing to help prevent lung infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Pleurisy Last?
Pleurisy from a viral infection often improves within a few days to two weeks. Other causes may take longer, depending on treatment.
Is Pleurisy Contagious?
Pleurisy itself is not contagious, but the virus or bacteria that caused it may be.
Can Pleurisy Go Away On Its Own?
Mild viral pleurisy may resolve on its own, but you should still be evaluated to rule out serious causes such as a blood clot or pneumonia.
Need Emergency Help? Visit STAT Specialty Hospital
Sharp chest pain is never something to ignore. STAT Specialty Hospital offers on-site imaging, labs, and board-certified physicians to quickly find the cause of your pain. Our Del Rio emergency room is open 24/7. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 right away.
Visit STAT Specialty Hospital today – where emergency care meets excellence.