Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
The chest pain that is associated with pleurisy can be treated using the type of painkillers that are known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen is often used to treat pleurisy. It is available over the counter from pharmacies.
If NSAIDs are not effective at treating your chest pain, or you are unable to take them because of a pre-existing health condition, such as liver disease, your GP may prescribe a short course of steroid tablets (oral corticosteroids) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
It may seem strange, but lying down on the side of your chest that hurts may help to reduce the pain.
Treating the underlying cause
It may also be necessary to treat the underlying cause of your pleurisy. If it is caused by a viral infection, further treatment may not be required because the infection will usually resolve on its own after a few days.
You will need a course of antibiotics if you have pleurisy that is caused by a bacterial infection. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, this may be either in the form of tablets or injections. Combinations of different antibiotics are usually used.
If your symptoms are particularly severe or you are already in poor health, you may need to be admitted to hospital so that your body’s functions can be supported until your condition stabilises.
