Dry pleurisy

introduction

In which Pleura it is the skin that the Rib cage from the inside and the lung rests. Accordingly, it is in contact with the lungs and chest, but also with the mediastinum - the space in the middle of the chest in which the heart located - as well as to diaphragm and esophagus. In the technical language the pleura is referred to as the pleura, the space between the chest and lungs called Pleural space.

definition

In medical terms one speaks of one pleurisy, one Inflammation of the pleura (Pleura). This inflammation can originate both in the pleura itself and in the neighboring organs. To a dry pleurisy is it when the Inflammation with no production of fluid, so-called Exudate, expires. The technical term is Pleurisy sicca (sicca = dry). The dry pleurisy often goes into the damp Form of pleurisy (= exudative) over. Here exudate is formed, which turns out to be effusion in the Pleural space accumulates and then restricts breathing.

causes

The causes dry pleurisy are many. Often times it is Concomitant symptom of a lung disease. It doesn't matter if it's a bacterial or viral infection acts. In severe cases, both can spread to the pleura. Examples of bacterial inflammation are lung infection and Abscesses or the tuberculosis called. Also one severe bronchitiswhich is mostly caused by viruses, can cause accompanying inflammation of the pleura. An infection with the Coxsackie B virus, also Bornholm disease called, also causes pleurisy.

Also Diseases of the whole organism can do that Affected pleura and ensure dry pleurisy. This includes the Group of collagenoses, for example Rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus erythematosus, or one uremic metabolic condition (abnormally high proportion of urea in the blood). Also Cancersthat are in the lung or have scattered pleura or originate there, cause dry pleurisy there. The Clogging of a pulmonary artery (Pulmonary infarction, Pulmonary embolism) can also be the cause of pleurisy in the course of time.

diagnosis

The diagnosis dry pleurisy develops more difficult than that of the exudative form with exudate formation. This is indicative Combination of clinical symptoms and the Auscultation result. When auscultating, that is listen with the stethoscope, gets involved in dry pleurisy characteristic sound hear that in the jargon as Pleural rubbing referred to as. The pleura usually does not make any sound when you breathe. One does, however, listen creaking sound when inhaling and exhaling (“Leather creak”), this is a clear indication of pleurisy. A X-ray of the thorax is diagnostic at dry pleurisy not yet meaningful. Only with the exudative pleurisy you can see them there Effusions in the pleural space as well as thickenings of the pleura itself (pleural rinds).

Symptoms

The Main symptom of dry pleurisy are Chest pain. Since it is a Inflammation of the respiratory muscles are those Pain dependent on breathing, so they are particularly strong when breathing in and out. The pain character is called violent and stabbing described. Next to it is sometimes a cough, Indeed without sputum formationdescribed. In severe cases, the diseased side dragged when breathing or the Breathing becomes shallower due to pain. Usually there is also one general exhaustion. Depending on the underlying disease, the symptoms of pleurisy can also overlay those of pleurisy. At the Transition from the dry to the exudative form the pain often passes because the Do not rub the pleural leaves together any more but be separated by the exudate formed. However, this does not mean that the disease is subsiding; on the contrary, it does mean one Inflammation progression and can now make breathing even more difficult.

Pleurisy without fever

fever is not an obligatory symptom dry pleurisy. In this case, the decisive factor is the underlying disease. At a bacterial pneumoniathat spreads to the pleura, for example, is also to be expected with fever, since the pneumonia itself would cause a fever. Coxsackie B virus infections are also often accompanied by a slight fever. But there are also, depending on the cause course of pleurisy without fever. Conversely, the absence of fever is not a criterion for excluding pleurisy.

treatment

Treating a uncomplicated pleurisy occurs symptomatically. This is where the Pain therapy plays an important role in preventing patients from breathing easily. Because of the shallowly ventilated lungs, this carries a high risk of bacterial colonization with subsequent pneumonia. In addition, a Oxygen supply via a so-called nasal cannula to relieve the perceived shortness of breath.

In the acute stage of the disease it is essential bed rest be respected. You should therefore refrain from exercising or similar strenuous activities in advance.

In the dry pleurisy is primarily the the underlying disease causing the disease. This means at bacterial Inflammation den Use of antibiotics, whereby the doctor will prescribe different drugs depending on the type of bacteria. In the case of collagenoses Use of glucocorticoids or other Immunosuppressants. At viral Origin can only be that Pain symptoms treated become. Here, and also in general, the pain caused by pleurisy Painkiller given to enable halfway pain-free breathing.

At a Cancer with accompanying pleurisy there are special therapeutic procedures, such as surgery Tumor removal, Chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on the tumor entity in question. If the symptoms improve, regular treatment is recommended Breathing exercises to optimize the work of breathing and better ventilation of the lungs.

Duration

Mostly, how long it takes for pleurisy to heal is difficult to predict. This depends on many factors, such as the Severity of the underlying disease. This usually heals together with the pleurisy. Goes the dry to exudative pleurisy over, also hangs here Healing time from the degree of effusion and the Complications from. In general, however, it can be said that pleurisy is a serious illness is healing to full recovery some weeks takes at least.

You can find more detailed information under our topic: Duration of pleurisy