Pleurisy : assessment and management

Pleurisy, or pleuritis, is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. This inflammation results in a sharp, stabbing chest pain that is often worsened by deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. The pain arises because the inflamed pleural layers rub against each other, a phenomenon that is particularly noticeable during the expansive movements of the lungs during respiration.

While pleurisy can be a primary disease, it often signals the presence of other thoracic or systemic conditions. Understanding the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and potential causes of pleurisy is essential for clinicians, as it can lead to more effective diagnosis and management, improving patient outcomes in primary care settings.