Definition - What does pleurisy mean?
Pleurisy is an inflammation and swelling of the membrane which lines the lungs and the chest wall. Symptoms of pleurisy include pain which worsens on inhalation, pain on one side of the chest only, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and dry cough. Severe and chronic cases may limit one's ability to perform work, and may necessitate disability leave.
SureHire explains pleurisy
Pleurisy can be caused by a number of issues, including viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections; lung cancer, the use of certain medications, heart conditions, recent heart surgery, autoimmune diseases, injuries to the chest, and pulmonary embolisms. Diagnosis of pleurisy may involve a physical exam by a medical practitioner, imaging such as chest x-rays or computerized tomography (CT) scans, electrocardiograms (EKG), and blood tests. Treatment of pleurisy depends on the underlying cause, but may include the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, cough syrups, or the draining of fluid from the pleural cavity.
