Pleurosis

Pleurisy is a condition in which the pleural tissues (the thin layers of tissue that line the chest cavity and surround the lungs) become inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by several factors, such as an infection, a chest injury, or a disease such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or cancer. Symptoms of pleurisy may include sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. Treatment for pleurisy typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, as well as rest and avoidance of activities that worsen the pain. In some cases, additional treatments such as oxygen therapy or aspiration of fluid from the chest may be necessary.