pleurisy
(ploo'ris-e) [Gr. pleuritis] Inflammation of the visceral and parietal pleurae that surround the lungs and line the thoracic cavity. It may be primary or secondary; unilateral, bilateral, or local; acute or chronic; fibrinous, serofibrinous, or purulent. Common causes of pleurisy include viral infections, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, rib fracture, and serositis from autoimmune diseases. Synonym:
pleuritisSymptoms
Sharp stabbing pain exacerbated by breathing is characteristic.
Patient care
Respiratory function is monitored by auscultation, observation of breathing pattern, and oximetry. The patient is positioned in the high Fowler position to facilitate chest expansion. Rest is encouraged. Deep breathing using incentive spirometry is encouraged every 1 to 2 hr to prevent atelectasis. To reduce discomfort when coughing, the patient should splint the chest with a pillow and administer analgesic drugs and use noninvasive measures, such as local application of warm or cool compresses. Respiratory toilet is provided if secretions are present. Rest is recommended. Prescribed medical regimens are carried out, with treatment directed at the underlying cause, and the patient's responses evaluated. Severe pain may be managed with intercostal nerve block. Thoracentesis may be required if pleural effusion is present.
adhesive pleurisy
Pleurisy in which the exudate causes the parietal pleura to adhere to the visceral. If this is extensive, the pleural space is obliterated.
diaphragmatic pleurisy
Inflammation of the diaphragmatic pleura. Symptoms include intense pain under the margin of the ribs, sometimes referred into the abdomen, with tenderness upon pressure; thoracic breathing; tenderness over the phrenic nerve referred to the supraclavicular region in the neck on the same side; hiccough; and extreme dyspnea.
dry pleurisy
A condition in which the pleural membrane is covered with a fibrinous exudate.
pleurisy with effusion
Pleural effusion.encysted pleurisy
Pleurisy with effusion limited by adhesions.
fibrinous pleurisy
Pleurisy with severe and continuous pain. Aspiration gives negative results, and later much retraction of the affected side.
hemorrhagic pleurisy
Pleurisy with hemorrhage.
interlobar pleurisy
Pleurisy in interlobar spaces.
pulmonary pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleura covering the lung.
purulent pleurisy
Empyema.sacculated pleurisy
Pleurisy in which inflammatory areas are sealed off and filled with fluid, that is, loculated.
serofibrinous pleurisy
Pleurisy with fibrinous exudate and serous effusion.
serous pleurisy
Pleural effusion.tuberculous pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleura as a result of tuberculosis. The effusion may be bloody.
typhoid pleurisy
Pleurisy with symptoms of typhoid.
wet pleurisy
An obsolete term for pleural effusion.
