How Long Does It Take For Pleurisy To Clear Up

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Is Pleurisy Contagious?

Reviewed on 12/22/2020

Definition
- What Is Pleurisy?
Symptoms
- What Are Symptoms of Pleurisy?
Causes
- What Causes Pleurisy?
Transmission
- Is Pleurisy Contagious?
Diagnosis
- How Is Pleurisy Diagnosed?
Treatment
- What Is the Treatment for Pleurisy?
Complications
- What Are Complications of Pleurisy?
Guide
- Is Pleurisy Contagious? Topic Guide

What Is Pleurisy?

Pleurisy itself is not contagious, however, infections that can cause pleurisy such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or tuberculosis can be.

The pleura are membranes that surround and contain the lungs and separate them from the chest wall, diaphragm, and heart. Pleurisy (pleuritis) is an inflammation of these membranes. The thin space around the membrane is called the pleural space that is usually filled with a small amount of fluid. When the pleura becomes inflamed, it can cause breathing to be painful and fluid may build up in the pleural space.

What Are Symptoms of Pleurisy?

Symptoms of pleurisy include:

Chest pain
- Most common symptom of pleurisy
- May be a sharp, stabbing pain, a dull ache, or a burning sensation
- Pain is usually worse when inhaling deeply, coughing, sneezing, or moving
- Pain is less when taking shallow breaths or lying on the painful side
Cough: may be dry or may contain sputum or blood
Shortness of breath
Shallow, rapid breathing
Fever (depends on the cause)

What Causes Pleurisy?

Causes of pleurisy include:

Infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or tuberculosis
Certain cancers such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural tumors, or metastases (cancer that has spread from other parts of the body)
Hole in the lung (pneumothorax)
Collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoid disease, or scleroderma
Injury to the chest such as bruised or broken ribs
Gastrointestinal disease, such as pancreatitis or peritonitis
Reactions to certain drugs such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), penicillin, and chemotherapy drugs
Uremia
Blood clot in lung (pulmonary embolism)
Radiation therapy
Sickle cell disease
Asbestos
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
COVID-19 virus
A complication of heart surgery

Is Pleurisy Contagious?

Pleurisy itself is not contagious, however, infections that can cause pleurisy such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, or tuberculosis can be.

Bacteria and viruses can be transmitted when people:

Inhale respiratory droplets released after an infected person coughs or sneezes
Touch something with droplets on it and then touch their mouth or nose
Share glasses, plates, or utensils with an infected person

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How Is Pleurisy Diagnosed?

Pleurisy is diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination. Testing that may be indicated to either confirm pleurisy or rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, may include:

Chest X-ray
Computerized tomography (CT) scan
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Echocardiogram ("echo")
Pulse oximetry
Thoracentesis: removal of fluid from around the lung
Blood tests to check for infection or certain proteins that could indicate a heart attack

What Are Complications of Pleurisy?

Complications of pleurisy include:

Pleural effusion (excess fluid buildup in the tissue around the lungs)
Scar tissue that can cause chronic pain or shortness of breath

From

Reviewed on 12/22/2020

References

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/299959-overview

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tj8148

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pleuritic-chest-pain-the-basics