What causes pleurisy in young people?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on December 11, 2024
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In clinical practice, populations with pleurisy are often common among young people and children. The factors inducing pleurisy in young people are mainly due to low immune function and the presence of pathogenic factors that stimulate an inflammatory response in the pleura. Such patients often experience infections, with tuberculosis infections being more common. This often leads to clinical symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and even difficulty breathing. Therefore, for individuals with low immune function, it is particularly important to pay attention to strengthening nutrition and to balance work and rest. When the body's functions are weakened, it is necessary to properly enhance nutrition and exercise to improve the body's immunity and reduce the likelihood of developing pleurisy.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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What should I do about pleurisy calcification?

Pleural calcification, mainly results from long-term unresolved pleuritis or inadequate timely treatment, causing adherence between the two pleural layers. Following this adhesion, calcium salts may deposit, leading to calcification. Usually, the primary consideration is whether the patient's lung function has been impacted. If so, a thoracotomy and pleural decortication might be performed to restore the pleural structure. If the patient only shows pleural calcification on imaging without significant discomfort, it may be observed without immediate intervention, and regular monitoring of the calcification is recommended to see if it enlarges. If the condition remains stable over time, it might not require treatment since this represents a tendency towards healing, or the residual scarring may not necessitate special management.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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How to treat pleurisy without effusion?

Pleurisy is a very common type of inflammatory response of the pleura caused by pathogenic factors in clinical practice. In clinical settings, some patients may develop pleural effusion, while others may not. Therefore, the treatment for pleurisy without pleural effusion mainly involves symptomatic management with anti-tuberculosis drugs. Typically, the treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs should follow a regimen that is early, combined, adequate, regular, and complete. For the treatment of such pleurisy patients, it is known that most cases are caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, when treating such patients, it is crucial to strictly follow the treatment regimen of anti-tuberculosis medications to effectively control the uncomfortable symptoms caused by pleurisy.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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What medicine to take for pleurisy

Regarding what medicine to take for pleurisy, it depends on the specific actual situation. If it is simple mild pleuritis without pleural effusion and only pain, generally, if the pain is not severe, medication may not be necessary. If the pain is severe, one can (under the guidance of a doctor) take oral pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen with codeine for symptomatic treatment. If there are symptoms such as fever, coughing up phlegm, pleural effusion, or even suspected tuberculous pleuritis, long-term oral anti-tuberculosis drugs are required for treatment. If tuberculosis cannot be confirmed and there are no significant symptoms, symptomatic treatment can be administered temporarily.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Pleurisy is caused by what?

Pleurisy is often caused by various pathogens, such as viral infections, which can lead to pleurisy termed viral pleurisy. Viral pleurisy typically presents with noticeable chest pain, and may even be accompanied by tenderness in the chest wall. Similarly, bacterial infections can also cause pleurisy. If the infection is a purulent bacterial infection, it is known as purulent pleurisy. Generally, those with purulent pleurisy experience high fever symptoms. Another common cause of pleurisy is tuberculosis infection, known as tuberculous pleurisy. Typical symptoms of tuberculous pleurisy include low-grade fever in the afternoon, night sweats, and may also include chest tightness and chest pain.

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Thoracic Surgery
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Can you exercise with pleurisy?

Whether or not a patient with pleurisy can exercise should be determined based on the individual's specific condition. For mild pleurisy without pleural effusion and severe pain, exercise is permissible. However, if pleural effusion is present, it should be drained or aspirated first, after which exercise can be encouraged. Exercise should be moderate, as it can help absorb the pleural effusion, which is beneficial for the patient. Additionally, if pleurisy causes severe pain, it is best to minimize movement to avoid exacerbating the pain.