I have had Pleurisy and my Doctor doesn't like to give pill out, is ...

Our lungs and the chest wall are surrounded and protected by thin layers of tissues called pleura. The space between the layers of these tissues is known as pleural cavity. There is a small amount of lubricating fluid within this cavity that ensures the layers slide over each other smoothly when you breathe. When these get inflamed, that ailment is known as pleurisy. Due to the inflammation, whenever you breathe and your lungs expand, the layers rub against each other and this causes severe pain. This pain can be a sharp, stabbing kind of pain or a dull, constant ache. In most cases the pain radiates from one place; however, it can also spread to your shoulders or back. One of the most common causes of this aliment is viral or bacterial infection. Usually, pleurisy does not last for more than a few days; it could at the most last for two weeks. There are other complicated conditions that can cause this problem such as leakage of air into this cavity, a fractured rib, blood clots in the veins of the lungs, a lung tumor, rheumatic fever, or pneumonia. However, the exact cause of the pleurisy can be determined only after a physician is consulted and a thorough physical examination is done. But since you have already consulted a physician and have not been prescribed any medication, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the pain.

When you lie down, sleep on the side that hurts. Breathe slowly and deeply and avoid exerting yourself to such an extent that your breathing becomes labored. Apply a hot compress on your chest and back and around the area that hurts. Rosemary and peppermint helps relieve pain and are anti-inflammatory in nature. Eucalyptus is excellent at eliminating viral infection. Slowly massage these essential oils on the areas that hurt or else use them along with the hot compress. The other essential oils that can prove helpful are basil, star anise, pine, sage, and tea tree oil. Change your diet to accommodate more foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and flax seeds contain an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. Along with these, increase your intake of vitamin C and vitamin A as these will help in boosting your immune system, which in turn will help you to recover faster. Include celery in your diet as it contains anti-spasmodic properties.

answered by G M

I have had Pleurisy and my Doctor doesn't like to give pill out, is there something I can do for the pain.