What it is
Pleurisy caused by a virus usually gets better by itself within a few days. Anti-inflammatory painkillers can help.
Treatment depends on the cause, for example antibiotics for pneumonia. Fluid around the lung may need to be drained.
Common signs
- Sharp chest pain when breathing in, coughing or sneezing
- Pain that may spread to the shoulder
- Shortness of breath
- A dry cough
- High temperature
How it is usually diagnosed
- Listening to the chest
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests
- Sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Chest X-ray and scan reports
- Blood test results
- GP or hospital notes
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is causing the pleurisy?
- Do I need any other tests?
- When should the pain ease?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe chest pain, struggling to breathe, coughing up blood or blue lips: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.