Overview
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the two thin layers of tissue between the lungs and the chest wall. When inflamed, these layers rub together and cause sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing. It is usually a sign of another underlying condition rather than a disease on its own.
Symptoms
- Sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing or sneezing
- Pain that may spread to the shoulder or back
- Shortness of breath as you avoid deep breaths
- Dry cough
- Sometimes fever, depending on the cause
Causes & risk factors
- Viral infections such as the flu
- Bacterial pneumonia
- A blood clot in the lung
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Chest injury or rib fracture
- Certain medicines or, rarely, cancer
Treatment & self-care
Care depends on finding and treating the underlying cause, so a clinician will examine you and may order imaging and blood tests. Pain and inflammation are managed under medical guidance while the cause is addressed.
See a doctor urgently if
- You have sudden or severe chest pain that worsens with breathing
- Seek emergency care if chest pain comes with severe breathlessness, coughing up blood, fainting or a racing heart, which can signal a serious cause
- You have chest pain with a high fever