Definition
We speak of pleuritis in case of inflammation of the pleura, the double membrane that covers the inside of the thoracic cavity and wraps around each lung. Pleurisy causes acute pain during inhalation and exhalation, associated with coughing and sneezing.
Causes
The causes of pleurisy are multiple and heterogeneous; however, the most involved etiological factors are pneumonia, diaphragm-related diseases and diseases affecting the chest wall in general. Inflammation of the pleural sheets is responsible for the friction between the lung and the lung created during breathing, due to pain.
Risk factors: viral infection, tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism
Symptoms
The first symptom that should alarm is undoubtedly the difficulty in breathing and the severe pain in the chest. Pleurisy is often associated with changes in body temperature, chills, weight loss, dyspnea, sneezing and coughing.
Information on Pleurisy - Pleurisy Treatment Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Pleuritis - Pleurisy Treatment.
drugs
The drugs used in therapy for the treatment of pleurisy aim to resolve the causes that caused the damage. In the case of bacterial pleurisy, antibiotics are certainly the treatment of choice; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be taken to relieve pain during breathing. Even antitussives, like codeine, can exert a good therapeutic effect for cough healing; finally, it is recommended to stimulate the patient to cough during the maximum effect of the pain medication.
The prognosis depends on the severity of the pathological condition.
Antibiotics : to be taken exclusively in the event of proven or presumed bacterial pleurisy
- Amoxicillin (Ex. Amoxicillin, Amoxil and Trimox, Zimox, Augmentin): belonging to the class of penicillins, the drug should be taken at a dose of 250-500 mg orally three times a day for 1-3 weeks. Alternatively, take 500-875 mg of active per os twice a day. However, the dosage must be perfected by the doctor based on the severity of the symptoms, the patient's state of health and the pathogen responsible. The drug is often available in association with clavulanic acid (beta-lactamase inhibitor)
- Moxifloxacin (eg. Vigamox, Avalox, Octegra) particularly suitable for the treatment of tuberculosis-related pleurisy: in this sense, take 400 mg of active intravenously once a day. As we know, tuberculosis is rather difficult to eradicate and the expected duration of therapy can last for many months (12-18), depending on the severity of the symptoms. Consult your doctor. In case of pneumonia-dependent pleuritis, the dosage is different: it is recommended to take the drug at a dose of 400 mg orally or intravenously, once a day, for 7-14 days.
Corticosteroids: generally taken orally or intravenously, they are used in therapy to counteract severe pleural inflammation.
- Prednisone (eg. Deltacortene, Lodotra) take between 5 and 60 mg of active in 1-4 divided doses during 24 hours. Consult your doctor. Do not prolong the therapy beyond what is due.
- Methylprednisolone (eg. Advantan, Solu-Medrol, Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Urbason) for inflammation of the pleura, taken for 4-48 mg per day of medication. Consult your doctor.
Antitussives : they are indicated in the context of pleurisy accompanied by cough
- Codeine (eg. Codein, Hederix Plan) take the drug orally at a dose of 15 mg every 6 hours, as needed. Do not exceed 120 mg per day.
- Dextromethorphan (eg. Aricodiltosse, Bisolvon Tosse, Ozopulmin) is generally administered in the form of syrups or tablets, at a dose of 15-60 mg 2-3 times a day. Do not exceed 120 mg per day. At a dose of 200-300 mg per day the drug creates visual hallucinations and possible alteration of the heart rhythm.
- Guaifenesina (eg. Broncovanil, Vicks Tosse Fluidific) belonging to the class of antitussives-expectorants, this drug is indicated to counter cough in the context of pleurisy. It is recommended to take 200-400 mg of substance by mouth every 4 hours, as needed. Do not take more than 2.4 grams of active per day. Guaifenesin is also available associated with cortisone or opioid derivatives (eg hydrocodone: eg Vicodin, not sold in Italy), formulated in the form of tablets or syrup.
Therapeutic aids: analgesic and antipyretic drugs are a good aid to speed up healing, thus allowing the patient to better overcome the disease.
- Paracetamol or acetaminophen (Acetamol, Tachipirina): the drug acts as an antifebrile and painkiller: it is advisable to cough during the efficacy of the drug, in order to favor sputum and, with it, the elimination of bacteria (when present). Paracetamol is administered at a dosage of 325-650 mg per day every 4-6 hours; alternatively, take 1 gram every 6-8 hours. The dosage depends on the patient's condition, age and weight. The drug can also be taken intravenously: 1 gram every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours for adults and adolescents weighing more than 50 kilos: if the patient weighs less than 50 kilos, give 15 mg / kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg / kg every 4 hours.
- Ibuprofen (eg. Brufen, Moment, Subitene) helps the patient to overcome the disease more quickly; due to its analgesic activity, the drug reduces chest pain that usually accompanies patients with pleurisy. Take orally from 200 to 400 mg of active ingredient (tablets, effervescent sachets) every 4-6 hours, as needed. In some cases, the analgesic can also be taken intravenously at a dose of 400-800 mg every 6 hours, as needed.
When pleurisy is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, it must be eliminated (thoracentesis): by favoring the patient's breathing, this practice - of exclusively medical-surgical competence - is a valid aid to speed up the pleurisy healing.
