Introduction Pleurisy is the inflammation of the pleura, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs. The pleura has two layers: the visceral pleura covering the lungs and the parietal pleura lining the chest wall. When these layers become inflamed, they rub together, causing sharp, stabbing chest pain, which worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Pleurisy can develop due to infections, lung diseases, autoimmune disorders, trauma, or other underlying conditions. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking proper treatment is essential to prevent complications and ensure faster recovery. Causes of Pleurisy Causes of Pleurisy Pleurisy can develop from a variety of causes, both infectious and non-infectious: Bacterial Infections: Pneumonia caused by bacteria is a common trigger. Other bacterial infections like tuberculosis can also affect the pleura. Viral Infections: Influenza, RSV, or other respiratory viruses can lead to inflammation of the pleura. Fungal Infe...
Introduction Hydrothorax is a medical condition in which an abnormal amount of fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity, the thin space between the lungs and the chest wall. Normally, a small quantity of fluid is present in this space to allow smooth movement of the lungs during breathing. However, when excessive fluid collects, it compresses the lungs and interferes with normal respiration, leading to breathing difficulty and chest discomfort. Hydrothorax is not a disease by itself but usually a result of underlying systemic disorders such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, infections, tuberculosis, or malignancy. The condition may develop slowly over time or appear rapidly depending on the cause and the patient’s general health. Early detection and proper management are very important to prevent serious complications. In modern medicine, treatment mainly focuses on identifying and managing the underlying cause and, when necessary, removing the accumulated fluid thro...