Pleurisy is a fairly common illness which affects the lining of the lungs, making breathing painful and difficult.

What causes pleurisy and who can get it?

Between the lungs and the bones of the ribcage are two thin membranes called the pleura. There is a tiny amount of liquid between the pleura which lubricates them and helps them slide past each other. This helps you breathe more easily.

Pleurisy is an irritation of the pleura by an infection or illness. The membranes, which are normally smooth, rub against each other and the liquid can become sticky.

Usually a viral infection causes pleurisy, like a cold or the flu. Sometimes there is a more serious cause. Pneumonia, a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism) and some forms of cancer can cause pleurisy. It could also mean that your immune system is not working properly and is attacking your body instead of illnesses (autoimmune disease).

Anyone can get pleurisy but smokers are particularly at risk because smoke damages the lungs and makes them more open to infection.

What are the signs and symptoms of pleurisy?

The main symptom is short, sharp chest pains, usually at the end of breathing in. It also hurts if you cough. Your breathing might be fast and shallow and some places on your chest or back might be sore if you touch them. Fever is also common.

Also, because pleurisy is often caused by another illness, you could have the symptoms of that too.

How is it normally diagnosed and treated?

A doctor will listen to your chest with a stethoscope to make a diagnosis. You could be sent for an x-ray if the problem has been persistent or particularly severe.

Often pleurisy requires no treatment and clears up after a few days. The illness which is causing the pleurisy, such as a cold or flu, can be treated.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or aspirin, can help. Antibiotics are used in some cases.

Can it be prevented?

It is difficult to prevent pleurisy as it is often caused by a virus. However, living a healthy lifestyle and not smoking will make the body more able to resist infections.

When should I seek medical help?

See your doctor if your chest pains develop slowly over days or weeks. If the pain doesn’t go away after a few days then seek medical help. Also go for help if you have severe difficulty breathing, are coughing up blood or have any other unusual symptoms.

Looking forward

Pleurisy usually clears up in seven to ten days. However, sometimes excess fluid builds up in the lungs between the pleura (pleural effusion). This puts strain on the lungs and makes it even harder to breathe. This extra liquid can get infected. There is an operation which drains the liquid but it usually clears up by itself.

For more help and information

Contact your GP for more help and advice.

British Lung Foundation

Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital: 15 October 2007

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