Pleurisy

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment is aimed at reducing the inflammation of the pleura. This is usually accomplished with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. Pain control is important. If the pain is not controlled, full deep breaths will not be possible. This can result in further complications, such as atelectasis and pneumonia. Often narcotic pain medication is necessary to control the pain of pleurisy.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medications have side effects. The most common side effect from anti-inflammatory medication is stomach upset.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If there is no serious underlying disease, a person will return to a normal state of health following treatment. Diseases such as tuberculosis need to monitored on a long-term basis. Pleurisy can be a short-lived complication of these illnesses. Once the pleurisy is gone, the underlying disease may continue.

How is the condition monitored?

Routine monitoring of the diseases that cause plerisy is important. Episodes of pleurisy may be monitored with chest x-rays and pulmonary function tests if indicated. These tests measure the functioning of the lungs and how much airflow is occuring as a person breathes. A return to normal lung function is the goal of treatment.