Pleurisy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Pleurisy

happens when the pleura becomes irritated or swollen. The pleura is a thin piece of tissue made of 2 layers. One layer lines the inside of your chest cavity, and the other surrounds your lungs. There is a small amount of fluid between the layers that helps them move easily when you breathe. When the pleura is irritated or swollen, the layers rub together as you breathe.

Signs and symptoms may include any of the following:

• Sharp, stabbing pain in your side or lower part of your chest
• Chest pain that gets worse when you cough, sneeze, or take a breath in
• Shortness of breath
• Pain when your rib area is touched
• Fever or cough
• Fatigue

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have sudden, intense chest pain that feels different from your symptoms.
• You are breathing fast, feel confused, or feel like you are going to faint.

Seek care immediately if:

• You cough up blood.
• You feel more short of breath than usual.
• Your lips or fingernails turn dusky or blue.

Call your doctor if:

• Your pain gets worse, even after treatment.
• You have a fever.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for pleurisy

depends on the cause of your pleurisy and how severe your symptoms are. Your healthcare provider will treat the cause of your pleurisy. You may need any of the following:

• Cough medicine helps decrease your urge to cough. A cough suppressant may help if a dry cough is causing your pain.
• Antibiotics may treat pleurisy caused by bacteria.
• Steroids may be given to decrease inflammation.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given if other pain medicines do not work. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
• You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• doxycycline
• Vibramycin
• Doryx
• Monodox
• Doxy 100

Self-care:

• Find a comfortable position. You will need to rest to let your body heal. Find a position that allows you to decrease pain and breathe easier. You may find it comfortable to lie on the side that has the pleurisy. Change your position often to prevent complications, such as worsening pneumonia or a lung collapse.
• Use pressure to prevent pain. Hold a pillow against your chest when you cough or take a deep breath.

Prevent pleurisy:

• Get early treatment for conditions that cause pleurisy.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. Vaccines may help prevent infections that cause pleurisy. Your provider may recommend these and other vaccines:
  • Ask your healthcare provider about the flu and pneumonia vaccines. All adults should get the flu (influenza) vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 or older to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Adults aged 19 to 49 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease should also receive the vaccine. You may need 1 dose or 2. The number depends on the vaccine used and your risk factors.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are given to adults as a shot. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for all adults. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Adults 65 or older need a second dose of updated vaccine at least 4 months after the first dose. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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