Related articles: Pleurisy
Definition
Pleurisy is the acute or chronic inflammation of the double membrane (pleura) that covers the inner walls of the thoracic cavity and the outer surface of both lungs; this membrane is essential for normal respiratory mechanics. Pleurisy is often due to the presence of pneumonia in the underlying lung and, more generally, is always associated with another lung disease, of the chest wall, diaphragm or lung. Due to the phlogistic process, the two pleural surfaces (pleural sheets) lose their characteristic smoothness, triggering the typical symptoms of pleurisy, the main one being the strong chest pain associated with breathing (especially deep breathing), coughing and sneezing. Painful symptoms can radiate to the shoulder.Most common symptoms and signs *
- Chills
- Dyspnoea
- Chest pain
- Pain in the Stomach Mouth
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Pain in the sternum
- Back pain
- heartburn
- Temperature
- Shortness of breath
- Mediastinitis
- Weight loss
- Peritonismo
- pneumomediastinum
- Cough
- Pleural effusion
Further indications
The stethoscope (a medical instrument useful for auscultation of the chest) allows us to perceive a characteristic "rubbing".
