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Pleurisy
Definition:
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the lungs that causes pain when you take a breath or cough. Alternative Names:
Pleuritis; Pleuritic chest pain Text Continues Below
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Pleurisy may develop when you have lung inflammation due to infections such as pneumonia or tuberculosis. It may also occur with rheumatic diseases, chest trauma, certain cancers, and asbestos-related disease. When you have pleurisy, the normally smooth lining of the lung (the pleura) become rough. The rub together with each breath, and may produce a rough, grating sound called a "friction rub." This sound can be heard with the stethoscope, or when you place an ear against the patient's chest. References:
Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1005. Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000: 497-498.
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