Treatment of Pleurisy With Adhesions
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Pleurisy is characterized by the inflammation of the pleura, which is the sac that separates the lungs from the chest wall. It is filled with a thin layer of fluid that allows the lungs to expand and contract as the person breathes. In the case of inflammation of the pleura, the sufferer may find breathing both painful and difficult, especially if fluid starts to accumulate between the pleura and the lungs. In severe cases, pleurisy can lead to adhesions (tissue scarring), which can lead to chronic pain and breathing difficulties.
The most common cause of pleurisy is an infection: bacteria, viruses and even parasites can lead to this disease. Pleurisy can also develop as a complication of tuberculosis or fungus in the lungs. Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis as well as diseases that undermine the autoimmune system, such as HIV and cancer, can also bring it on. Receiving radiotherapy or taking chemotherapy drugs can result in the inflammation of the pleura. Moreover, trauma to the chest, especially if the ribs are broken, can also cause inflammation of the pleura. It is therefore especially important for people who have suffered a chest trauma to have regular medical check-ups.
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulty
- Coughing
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- During a general examination, the doctor will listen to the patient’s lungs with a stethoscope in order to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
- The doctor will review the patient’s medical history, to determine whether or not the patient has suffered from any other diseases that could be causing the symptoms.
- An X-ray or CT scan of the lungs can reveal abnormalities with the pleura, such as an accumulation of excess fluid.
- A blood test may be necessary if an infection is suspected to be the cause of pleurisy.
- An ECG may also be required, to check the patient’s heart.
- Conservative treatment, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, can reduce the patient’s pain if the cause of pleurisy was an infection.
- Pleurolysis is a surgical procedure whereby adhesions are cauterized and excess fluid is removed from the lungs.
Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko