Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane (covering) that surrounds the lungs.
In between the layers of the pleura is a thin layer of fluid. This reduces friction between the two layers, allowing the lungs to expand and contract easily during breathing.
If the pleura becomes inflamed, the two layers begin to press against each other, increasing friction and pressure on the lungs. This causes a sharp chest pain when breathing, the most common symptom of pleurisy.
Pleurisy usually develops as a complication of a pre-existing infection, such as flu, or an underlying health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
How common is pleurisy?
Pleurisy used to be a common complication of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia. However, since the introduction of antibiotics, rates of pleurisy have fallen.
It is difficult to estimate how many people get pleurisy in England each year. This is because the condition is often mild and resolves itself without treatment, so people do not report symptoms to their GP.
Outlook
The outlook for pleurisy depends on the underlying cause, which can be mild, such as flu, or very serious, such as a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
While the underlying cause of pleurisy is being treated, over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve any pain.
