Home Health Center Pleurisy   Treating Pleurisy Effectively

Treatment for Pleurisy

 The treatment for pleurisy is completely dependent on its cause. Treatment of the underlying cause usually helps improve and treat the inflammation. For instance, if the condition has been caused due to tuberculosis, it can be completely treated when the tuberculosis has been addressed. In case of bacterial or viral infections, antibiotics and similar medications can help with the treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs may also help treat the pleurisy.

In case the breathing is painful and labored, you can use pain killing medications to ease the discomfort. Most doctors recommend pain killers, but in case the pain is too severe, hospitalization may be required and narcotics are administered through an IV. Meanwhile, treatment may be performed to check the inflammation in the pleura.

Pleural effusion is an ever present danger in case of pleurisy. The inflammation in the membranes may cause fluids to buildup in the lungs. This fluid may be drained off using different treatment methods such as thoracentesis. In addition to the drainage of the fluid, the doctor may also recommend medications and other treatment methods to prevent the fluid from building up again.

There are, however, some ways to prevent pleurisy. While all kinds of pleurisy may not be preventable, it can be prevented in case of bacterial infections. For instance, tuberculosis is often a cause for pleurisy and a vaccination of tuberculosis can effectively keep the condition in check. You can also get vaccinated against one of the most common kinds of pneumonia. It is therefore recommended that you get immunized at the right age. Elderly individuals, if not immunized earlier, should get their shots because they are more prone to developing infections due to their low immunity. It is also important to avoid ignoring upper respiratory tract infections because the longer you ignore them, the more severe the complications can be.

Some people prefer homeopathic treatment for pleurisy, but it is important to consult a homeopathic doctor to know more about your condition instead of self medicating. Also, keep in mind that homeopathy is still a highly debated field and studies to support or disprove the effectiveness of homeopathy are so far inconclusive.

In case you have severe pleurisy with pleural effusion as a complication, you may require hospitalization and immediate medical care for draining of the fluid buildup. If the fluids are not drained from your lungs immediately, it could cause a respiratory arrest and ultimately lead to death. 

Frequently asked questions

• Does Pleurisy Persist For A Long Time?
• What Causes Chest Pain In Pleurisy?
• Any Specific Health Advice on Pleurisy?
• How Do I Treat My Lung Infection?

References

1. F.R.G. Heaf, Clifford Hillingworth, The management of pleurisy and pleural effusion cases, British Journal of Tuberculosis and Diseases of the Chest, Volume 38, Issue 1, January 1944, Pages 10-13, ISSN 0366-0869, 10.1016/S0366-0869(44)80023-5.
2. Tariq Ansari, Steven Idell, MANAGEMENT OF UNDIAGNOSED PERSISTENT PLEURAL EFFUSIONS, Clinics in Chest Medicine, Volume 19, Issue 2, 1 June 1998, Pages 407-417, ISSN 0272-5231, 10.1016/S0272-5231(05)70087-3.