Pleuritis is caused by inflammation and irritation of the pleura. This condition causes the pleura to swell and the pleural fluid to become sticky, resulting in chest pain when the two layers of pleura rub against each other during breathing. Common causes of pleuritis include viral, bacterial, or fungal infections such as influenza or TB.

The main symptoms of pleuritis are sharp and stabbing chest pain, especially when breathing. This pain can worsen when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or moving, but it can ease by holding your breath or pressing on the chest. There are also other symptoms such as fever, chills, loss of appetite, headache, joint and muscle pain, and shortness of breath.

The doctor will examine the patient's symptoms and medical history, as well as use a stethoscope to listen to the sounds in the lungs. To check for inflammation in the pleura, the doctor may perform lung scans using X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasound. If fluid buildup is found, the doctor may perform thoracentesis to take a fluid sample. Additionally, the doctor may conduct blood tests, EKG, thoracoscopy, or pleural biopsy to assist with diagnosis.

Treatment of pleuritis depends on its cause. Some medications used include: - Antibiotics for bacterial infections - Antifungals for fungal infections - Medications to reduce inflammation and pain - Blood thinners for pulmonary embolism - Cough medicine - Medications for autoimmune diseases