The most common symptom of pleurisy is chest pain when breathing in and out. The pain is:
- usually sharp and stabbing, and
- worse when you breathe deeply, cough, sneeze, move around or apply pressure to your chest.
The pain of pleurisy is often relieved when you take shallow breaths.
Other symptoms of pleurisy include:
- shortness of breath,
- a dry cough, and
- fever and chills.
When to seek medical advice
Signs and symptoms that may show pleurisy is caused by a more serious health condition include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 40°C (104°F), or above,
- a cough that produces thick green or yellow phlegm,
- serious breathing difficulties, and
- a swollen arm or leg (which could indicate a blood clot).
See your GP if you have any of these symptoms.
