What is Pleuritis?
Pleuritis is also referred as pleurisy, a condition that involves inflammation of the pleura – a cavity that surrounds and protects the lung. The condition is characterized by a sharp pain during inhalation or during coughing. The pain is located at the chest area.
Pleuritis Symptoms
The symptoms of pleuritis include the following:
- Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest area, most severe when breathing in and coughing out.
- Shortness of breath
- Other symptoms include: cough, rapid breathing, weight loss, and coughing out blood.
Pleuritis Causes
The cause of this condition is mostly pointed out to an inflammation of the lung pleura due to an infection, bacterial or viral. The pleura is divided into two layers such as the visceral pleura – lung covering and the parietal pleura – the inner chest wall. The infections may either be:
- Pneumonia or Tuberculosis
- Lung tumors
- Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Pneumothorax – There is presence of air in the chest wall that shall alter one’s mechanism to breathe.
- Pulmonary emboli – There is a roaming clot that has somehow dislodged in the lung blood vessel causing for problems.
- Chest injury – This may include rib fractures that have a tendency to prick or damage the lung wall thus causing for an inflammatory process.
Pleuritis Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests would include the following:
Physical examination
The condition can be diagnosed through a physical examination. The simple auscultation of the chest area will assess the breathing and the state of the lungs. When abnormal breath sounds are noted, pleuritis is expected. The unusual breath sound heard is a rough, rubbing sound as if there is some frictional force happening inside the lungs. This gathered data is called pleural friction rub, a distinct sign found in pleuritis.
Chest X-ray
Another examination is aimed to view the lung fields. In order to do such, we need to do a chest x-ray, which is a diagnostic exam that involves taking pictures of the lungs and including the heart. This shall visualize the presence of air or fluid in the area affected, pleural space.
CT scan
The next diagnostic examination is called the CT scan; this can provide visualization of the lungs and provide us information if there is pneumonia or presence of a lung tumor.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging of the chest area will help us rule out other possible conditions that causes lung problems.
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Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the chest will definitely help us identify for presence of fluid in the chest.
Blood chemistry
A blood test may also be suggested by the doctor in order to assess for presence of bacterial infection and other underlying conditions that may involve lung problems such as pneumonia, pulmonary emboli and lupus.
Thoracentesis
There is a test that is delicate but shall help also in alleviating the symptoms of the client. This test is called thoracentesis, which can locate and confirm for the presence of fluid or other substance in the pleural space. There is needle involvement and drawing of fluid from the chest, that is why this procedure is considered delicate and shall need the patient’s consent. As the fluid is removed, it shall be examined via microscope for its color, texture and possible chemical content.
Pleuritis Treatment
The aim of the treatment course for pleuritis is to remove the fluid or substance in the pleural space, to alleviate the symptoms and to control the underlying condition. Here are the following procedures and interventions for the treatment process of pleuritis:
Thoracentesis
This is the procedure that involves removal of fluid, air or blood from the pleural space. This is a very delicate procedure for this involves insertion of a large needle into the chest wall. Then there will be drawing out of the substance that causes for the inflammation. This procedure is safe for it shall be assisted with visualization, such as ultrasound and right after the procedure, an x-ray shall be requested by the doctor.
Medications
These can help in the reduction of the inflammation and to relieve the presenting symptoms. Antipyretics are provided in order to relieve fever and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are provided such as NSAIDs. Cough syrups are also provided in order to relieve the pain from persistent coughing. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections are treated with antiviral agents.
Treat the underlying cause
If there is a tumor identified, the patient is set for biopsy. When the result shows that it is cancerous, chemotherapy is suggested by the doctor.
