Every organ of our body is covered with some protective linings and coverings. Be it the heart which is enclosed in a layer called pericardium or be it our kidneys that are protected by a closely attached membrane.
Having said that, the same covering of tissues is available outside the lungs. The layer is called pleura or is also sometimes called a pleural membrane. The primary function of these membranes and layers is to protect these vital and sensitive organs.
But what if the layers of tissues surrounding the lungs are exposed to some viral and bacterial infection? What would be the consequences in that case? Is it going to take a toll on your health? Is it injurious to your health?
We will find the answer to these questions with reference to pleural membranes and we will also look for possible pleurisy treatments at home. Without wasting any further time, let us jump straight into the discussion.
Table of Contents
What is Pleurisy?
Many people don’t know what pleurisy meaning in Urdu is, as it is a scientific term which isn’t commonly used.
But no worries! This article will help you understand pleurisy meaning in Urdu, its causes, diagnosis and available treatment options.
The pleurisy meaning in Urdu is زات الصدر, Zaat Al-Sadar. It is the inflammation of pleural membranes( layer surrounding the tissues). This inflammation puts stress on the lungs even under normal circumstances.
The inflamed membrane can also put pressure on the lungs during inhalation. The pain is not just limited to the breathing mechanism but it can also happen when the person is just doing some slight movements or even if the person is coughing or sneezing.
Let us have a detailed look at the symptoms of pleurisy:
Pleurisy Symptoms
The major symptom of pleurisy is the sharp and stabbing pain in the chest, according to data collected by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute.
What is pleurisy pain like? It manifests as a variety of pain in your chest. It can be one of the following:
- Sharp pain in the chest especially when inhaling.
- Pain that can even extend to the shoulder and arms.
- Stabbing pain in one or both lungs while breathing.
There are some other symptoms that are found to be closely related to pleurisy and they may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Joint and body pain
- Difficulty in breathing
Who is at the Risk of Getting Pleurisy?
Pleurisy occurs in people of all ages, but it develops most often in people over age 65. These people are more likely to develop chest infections. People of Mediterranean descent have a higher risk for pleurisy due to a hereditary condition called familial Mediterranean fever.
Causes of Pleurisy
Pleurisy which is the inflammation of pleural membranes is due to multiple causes. The majority of the cases are reported due to viral or bacterial infections.
In rare cases, sudden physical trauma that may result in broken ribs can also lead to pleurisy. The broken ribs can lacerate the membrane surrounding the lungs.
The major causes that can lead to pleurisy include the following:
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia
- Viral infections including cold and influenza
- Lung cancer
- Genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis
There are some other causes as well that can cause pleurisy. This may include:
- Heart surgery such as bypass surgery or angioplasty
- Cardiac problems which may include pericarditis or abrupt heartbeats
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pulmonary embolism
As we are now aware of the major symptoms of pleurisy. Let us discuss some other complications that are likely to be found in association with this condition.
There are multiple complications that can occur but on a baseline, these complications are frequently reported:
Pleural Effusion
This is the case when the water gets filled in between these pierced pleural membranes. The fluid then has a greater chance to penetrate the lungs. The fluid can enter the small blood vessels of the lungs and can cause phlegm and sputum in the air passageway. This obstructed and filled air passageway will result in more difficult breathing.
In this case, the doctors are more concerned to remove the water and fluid out of the air passageway. There are different surgical procedures that can be done in order to eliminate the fluid of the lungs.
Hemothorax
The blood can also collect in the space between the lungs. This condition is called hemothorax. The blood which is being collected in the space between the lungs can also increase the pressure on the lungs causing them to compress.
The other thing that is most likely to occur in this state includes shock or hypoperfusion in which the blood pressure is dropped to fatal levels due to internal bleeding.
How to Diagnose Pleurisy?
As far as the diagnosis is concerned, the doctors will try to figure out the underlying cause that resulted in this pleurisy. The examination is done in multiple steps. The list of examinations that are usually done by the doctors is as follows:
1- Physical Examination
This normally includes the observation of the chest by a stethoscope. The sounds made by the lungs will help your physician to diagnose any underlying complications.
2- Chest X-ray
These chest X-rays will help the physician or the doctor determine the fluid buildup inside the lungs. This can also provide the necessary information to see the actually affected point. The other tests that are performed in conjunction include CT scan and MRI.
3- Blood Tests
These blood tests will help to figure out any bacterial or viral infection as in both of the cases, the number of white blood cells will increase in the body.
4- CT Scans
A CT scan combines a number of X-ray images of your body obtained at various angles. It produces cross-sectional images that resemble slices of your chest using computer processing.
The state of the pleura can be seen in these finely detailed pictures. They can also indicate the presence of additional pain-causing factors, such as lung blood clots.
5- Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create exact images of the inside organ architecture. You might undergo an ultrasound to find out if you have a pleural effusion.
6- Electrocardiogram (EEG)
If you have chest discomfort, this heart-monitoring test may be advised to rule out specific cardiac conditions as the source of your pain.
How to Get Rid of Pleurisy: Available Options for Pleurisy Treatment at Home
How to get rid of pleurisy?
There are a number of options available for pleurisy treatment at home. The treatment options emphasize eradicating or alleviating the sharp pain associated with pleurisy.
The treatment options can be varied depending on the condition. However, a few are discussed below:
1- Anti-inflammatory (over-the-counter) Drugs
The major symptoms of pleurisy i.e. the pain associated with it can be treated by taking anti-inflammatory medicines. According to NHLBI, Nonsteroidal anti-anti-inflammatory medicines can help in relieving the pain.
These medicines are available over the counter and have no serious side effects.
If the pleurisy is caused due to bacterial invasion in the body then anti-inflammatory medicines alone can’t help in managing the symptoms. In that case, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to kill the pathogenic bacteria from the body.
These antibiotics are also found effective in reducing the fluid or sputum buildup in the lungs.
In some cases, antifungal drugs can also be administered to treat pleurisy. Whereas to treat cough there are other medicines available over the counter. The medicines serve as the best pleurisy treatment at home.
One such drug called NIMS is used frequently in Pakistan. Learn more about it here.
2- Breathing Exercises
There are certain breathing exercises that can help to improve the lungs’ health. These breathing exercises also aim at developing stronger lungs.
The other reason why these breathing exercises are deemed fit for use in treating pleurisy is due to the fact that these exercises help in the normal breathing process.
These breathing exercises can be strenuous if you are experiencing pain. Try not to push too hard, as this can cause far worse side effects rather than bringing out any good.
Related: Try these breathing exercises for asthma that can also help in treating pleurisy at home.
3- Hot Drinks
It goes without saying that hot drinks are useful for treating chest infections. These hot drinks and fluids can include tea, coffee, and even a hot glass of simple water with lemon in it. These hot drinks can also help in boosting the immune system of the body.
Out of the above-mentioned hot drinks, a glass of hot water with lemon poured into it is easy to make and convenient. The lemon due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant nature is curative in treating pleurisy. This will also help to keep the air passageway open for better gaseous exchange.
Side Read: learn more about food options for lungs that should be tried this summer.
4- Rest with Extra Pillows:
As the body is already suffering from unexplained fatigue and lethargy, it is beneficial to take enough rest. However, the thing that can be done to facilitate smooth breathing is to add some extra pillows.
This will also help to keep the air passageway open. Taking your medicines side by side will result in a more rapid recovery state.
5- Try Garlic
Pleurisy has traditionally been treated with garlic. This popular condiment’s organosulfur compounds provide it potent anti-inflammatory properties and aid in immune system support.
Additionally, research indicates that it can combat the bacteria that cause chest infections.
To treat pleurisy, traditional healers advise consuming a clove of garlic on an empty stomach along with some water each day.
Before taking garlic, consult your doctor to ensure that it won’t conflict with any other medications you are already taking.
6- Have Pleurisy Root Tea
As the name implies, pleurisy root, known as Asclepias tuberosa, has long been used to treat the pleuritic pain and swelling. Additionally, it is recognised as a natural remedy for bronchitis and pneumonia.
Typically, a tincture or tea made from pleurisy root should be taken twice daily as a treatment.
However, before using this herbal cure, see your doctor as some people may experience heart issues.
7- Drink Turmeric Milk
Turmeric is a spice well known for its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it functions as an analgesic and may lessen pleuritic chest pain. In fact, it can lower prostaglandin E, just like honey.
Additionally, research suggests that it can combat bacteria that cause lung infections. Turmeric powder can be steeped in hot water to produce turmeric tea or boiled with milk to make turmeric milk for yourself.
This beverage can be made sweeter and more potently therapeutic by adding a dash of honey.
What are the Long Term Complications of Pleurisy?
In the long run, you may experience other health conditions as well along with pleurisy, including:
- Partial lung collapse (atelectasis).
- Excess fluid around your lungs (pleural effusion).
- Pus collecting around your lungs (empyema).
What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Pleurisy?
If you have pleurisy, you should consult your doctor about the following:
- What’s the source of my pleurisy?
- Should I think about genetic testing?
- Should I stop or change my medication if it causes my pleurisy?
- Is my risk of developing other lung conditions increased?
- What can I do to relieve pain at home?
- What symptoms of complications should I be on the lookout for?
- Is it likely that I’ll get pleurisy again?
What Should You Expect If You Have Pleurisy?
The prognosis for pleurisy is determined by the cause. If you have pleurisy due to an infection, it should go away as you recover. If it is caused by an ongoing illness, such as cancer or an autoimmune disease, you may always be at risk of recurrent pleurisy.
Pleurisy rarely has life-threatening complications.
The Final Outlook
Pleurisy is not a contagious ailment. The patients suffering from it should not be left isolated as it can take a toll on their mental health. Proper diet and regular check-ups with the doctors can help in treating the ailment.
If you or any of your close relatives are suffering from it then make an appointment today with the best pulmonologist in the area. To read more on health care issues, visit our website healthwire.
