Serous pleurisy, also known as dry pleurisy or pleuritis, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pleura, which is the membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity. The pleura consists of two layers, the visceral pleura that covers the lungs and the parietal pleura that lines the chest wall. Normally, the pleura produces a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant, allowing the lungs to expand and contract with minimal friction during breathing.
However, in serous pleurisy, there is an excessive accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura, resulting in inflammation and irritation of the affected tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as sharp or stabbing chest pain, particularly during deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Other potential signs and symptoms of serous pleurisy include shortness of breath, a dry cough, fever, and general malaise.
Serous pleurisy can have various causes, including viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or lung cancer. The diagnosis of serous pleurisy is usually determined through physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans.
Treatment for serous pleurisy aims to address the underlying cause of the condition, alleviate symptoms, and promote healing. This may involve the use of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation, antibiotic therapy for bacterial infections, and supportive measures such as rest and deep breathing exercises. In some cases, the excess fluid may need to be drained using procedures such as thoracentesis or pleurodesis.
