Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lung’s outer lining. It can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or shoulder when taking a deep breath.
The tissue, called the pleura, between the lungs and the rib cage, can become inflamed. This issue is called pleurisy.
Pleurisy often results from an infection. Sometimes, it stems from other medical conditions or trauma to the chest.
In many cases, pleurisy is mild and resolves without treatment. This makes it difficult for experts to estimate how common the condition is.
This article looks at the symptoms, treatments, causes, and complications of pleurisy.

The pleura are the tissues that cover the inside of the chest cavity and the outside of the lungs. Between the pleura is a gap called the pleural space.
A small amount of fluid fills the pleural space. When the person breathes in, this fluid allows the pleura to glide smoothly against one another.
In a person with pleurisy, the pleura become inflamed and rub together, causing chest pain.
Pleurisy can develop rapidly due to a health emergency, such as:
- a collapsed lung, which is called pneumothorax
- heart problems
- trauma to the chest
People can also have chronic pleurisy, which lasts for
Pleurisy is only contagious if it results from a contagious infection, such as TB.
The
The pain gets worse when the person is:
- breathing deeply
- coughing
- sneezing
- moving their chest or trunk
Also, a person usually has additional symptoms of the health issue responsible for the pleurisy. Monitoring the duration, progression, and reoccurrence of pleurisy can help the doctor find the cause.
A variety of issues can cause pleurisy. In many cases, it is a complication of another medical condition.
The most common cause of pleurisy is a viral infection. Pleurisy develops when the infection spreads to the pleural cavity.
Some viral infections that can cause pleurisy include:
- influenza
- Epstein-Barr
- cytomegalovirus
- parainfluenza
Bacterial infections that can cause pleurisy include:
- meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- streptococcal bacteria
- staphylococcal bacteria
Other causes of pleurisy include:
- rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions
- a chest injury
- a blood clot in the lung, called a pulmonary embolism
- a pleural tumor
- lung cancer
- mesothelioma, which is a cancer caused by inhaling asbestos
- cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- HIV or AIDS
- sickle cell anemia
Doctors treat pleurisy by addressing the underlying cause. They also recommend ways to relieve the chest and shoulder pain.
Pleurisy caused by a viral infection usually goes away without treatment. When a bacterial infection is the cause, treatment involves taking antibiotics.
Also, pleurisy sometimes causes fluid to build up around the lungs — an issue called a pleural effusion. If this occurs, the fluid may need to be drained through a tube in the chest.
Managing pain at home
Medication can ease the pain of pleurisy. A person might benefit from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).
For severe cases, doctors may prescribe pain and cough medicines, including codeine-based cough syrup.
Resting in certain positions can help a person feel more comfortable. Many people find that lying on the side of the chest that hurts can help ease the pain.
A doctor can diagnose pleurisy with a physical examination and by asking about recent and general medical history. They then investigate the cause of the inflammation.
During the physical exam, the doctor may be able to hear the pleural membranes rubbing together, using a stethoscope. This sound is called a pleural friction rub.
Doctors can also diagnose pleurisy with imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans. They can also order chest X-rays, which can show a previously undetected rib injury or signs of infection.
If a person has plural effusion, the doctor might use a needle to take a fluid sample for testing. This procedure is called thoracentesis.
They may also order blood tests to check for autoimmune disorders or a biopsy to test for cancer.
Pleurisy is treatable, and with treatment the outlook is good, but it can cause complications that can be dangerous, such as:
Pleural effusion
This is a buildup of fluid in the pleural cavity.
The buildup may push the pleural membranes apart and partly relieve the pain caused by the pleura rubbing together. However, it may push against the lung and diaphragm, making breathing more difficult and causing shortness of breath.
A doctor needs to determine the cause of a pleural effusion, which might require them to remove the fluid for diagnostic purposes, as well as to relieve the symptoms.
If a person with pleurisy has a pleural effusion, the cause may be a clot in the lungs, which can impair blood flow.
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung is called pneumothorax, and it can follow trauma to the chest wall. The collapse of one or both lungs can lead to a buildup of air or gas in the pleural cavity.
The
Hemothorax
Hemothorax is a buildup of blood in the pleural cavity. This
Detecting and managing the underlying health problem quickly may prevent pleurisy from developing.
For example, an early diagnosis and timely treatment of an infection may either prevent fluid from building up in the pleural cavity or minimize levels of inflammation.
Because chest pain, the
Getting plenty of rest and maintaining a healthy diet can also help prevent issues such as pleurisy from developing in response to an illness.
The following are commonly asked questions about pleurisy.
What is the main cause of pleurisy?
The most common cause of pleurisy is a viral infection, such as the flu.
Can pleurisy go away on its own?
Pleurisy usually resolves without intervention in a few days. However, pleurisy caused by a bacterial infection may require antibiotics. More severe causes, such as pulmonary embolism, will require hospital treatment.
A person experiencing any chest pain should speak with a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
Is pleurisy worse when lying down?
Pleurisy pain can worsen when a person coughs, sneezes, or moves around. Lying down can help to ease the pain, especially if a person lies down on the side of the chest that hurts.
Can a person die from pleurisy?
A person’s outlook depends on the cause of the pleurisy. More severe causes can be fatal without treatment.
Pleurisy is inflammation of the tissues that line the outside of the lungs and the inner chest wall.
The main symptom is chest pain and sometimes shoulder pain, and the most common cause is a viral infection, though other health issues can be responsible.
Treatment aims to ease the pain and treat the underlying cause.