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Respiratory system overview

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Pleurisy

Alternative Names: Pleuritis; Pleuritic chest pain Treatment: Treatment depends on what is causing the pleurisy. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Viral infections normally run their course without medications. Fluid in the lungs may be removed by thoracentesis and checked for signs of infection. The pain of pleurisy can often be controlled with acetominophen or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Expectations (prognosis): Text Continues Below Recovery depends on what is causing the pleurisy. Complications: Breathing difficulty Complications associated with the original illness Collapsed lung due to thoracentesis Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of pleurisy. If you have breathing difficulty or the skin turns blue, seek immediate medical care. 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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