Pleurisy
Overview
Pleurisy is inflammation around the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain. It's easy to treat and usually gets better in a few days, but can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, like pneumonia.
Symptoms
The main symptom of pleurisy is sharp chest pain when you breathe in. The pain may be worse when you cough, sneeze or move around. It may also spread to your shoulders and back.
Causes
Viral infection (Flu); Pneumonia; Pulmonary embolism. Inflammation of lung lining.
Treatment
Pleurisy will usually get better on its own in a few days without treatment from a GP. If your symptoms are being caused by a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, you may need antibiotics. You can ease the chest pain by: taking painkillers such asparacetamoloribuprofenresting in different positions until you find a comfortable one – lying on the painful side can help You may need to have treatment in hospital if your symptoms are severe or being caused by something more serious, such as apulmonary embolismortuberculosis.
Prevention
Not smoking; Good hygiene (avoid infections).
When to see a doctor
See GP if: sharp chest pain; shortness of breath. A&E if severe/coughing blood.