Home Health Center Pleurisy   Causes of Pleurisy

Causes of Pleurisy

 There is a range of causes associated with pleurisy. Some of these causes of pleurisy include:

• Bacterial and Viral Infections: Bacterial and viral infections may affect the upper respiratory tract. The infections affect the pleura and prevent them from producing the lubricating fluids.
• Pneumonia: Pneumonia is another upper respiratory tract infection that could cause inflammation in the pleura and lead to pleurisy.
• Tuberculosis: This is a dangerous infection that may cause a lot of other symptoms including inflammation of the pleura.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid conditions and lupus erythematosus may attack the lungs – especially the delicate membranes, causing inflammation and pain in the lungs and the chest cavity.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clots in the respiratory tract can often cause a variety of problems including inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest cavity.

Some of the other conditions that cause pleurisy include:

• Over exposure to asbestos may lead to asbestos poisoning and subsequent pleurisy.
• Certain cancers may cause pleurisy as well.
• Chest trauma may injure and inflame the pleura.
• Exposure to toxins and inflammatory allergies such as asthma may increase the risk of developing pleurisy.

 



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.