How does pleurisy ascites form?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on May 12, 2025
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Pleurisy is relatively common in clinical settings, with numerous and complex triggering factors. It is often caused by an infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis invading the pleural cavity, leading to inflammatory lesions. This often results in exudative inflammation, where fluid leakage into the pleural cavity can occur, but pleurisy generally does not cause ascites. The formation of ascites may have an indirect relation to pleurisy, but it primarily depends on the presence of other factors, such as acute pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic kidney diseases, or liver diseases, which could all potentially lead to the formation of ascites in patients.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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What are the symptoms of pleurisy and pneumothorax?

The pleural cavity in healthy individuals is a potential space and is under negative pressure. Its main purpose is to allow the lungs to fully adhere to the chest wall, and the lubricating fluid present serves to prevent too much friction between the lungs and chest wall during deep inhalation, which could cause pain. For various reasons, such as a ruptured lung bulla or trauma to the chest wall, a certain amount of air can enter the pleural cavity, leading to pain in patients. Due to the presence of pleurisy, friction occurs between the lungs and chest wall—particularly between the lower chest wall and the lungs—causing intense pain during deep inhalations. If a large volume of air is present, it can prevent the lungs from fully expanding, potentially leading to symptoms of breathing difficulties or an obstructed exhalation.

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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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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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The dangers of secondary recurrence of pleurisy

Pleurisy is very common in clinical settings, with most cases caused by the invasion of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the pleural cavity, leading to inflammatory lesions. Patients generally experience pleurisy symptoms, and if their immune function is weak, some may relapse if not careful. Therefore, for patients recovering from pleurisy, it is essential to strengthen their immune system and pay attention to balancing work and rest, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, which can greatly reduce the possibility of pleurisy recurrence. If pleurisy recurs, the clinical symptoms may worsen compared to the initial infection or may present similarly to the initial symptoms. Generally, if pleurisy recurs, there might be severe complications due to adhesions in the pleural cavity, possibly leading to persistent chest pain symptoms.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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The difference between pleurisy and peritonitis

Peritonitis generally refers to a severe disease caused by bacterial infection, chemical irritation, or injury, most of which are secondary peritonitis originating from infections and necrosis of abdominal organs, perforations, trauma, etc. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, tense abdominal muscles, tenderness, and board-like abdomen. Pleurisy generally refers to the inflammation of the pleura caused by pathogenic microorganisms, also known as pleuritis, which can be accompanied by pleural effusion. Pleurisy is commonly caused by tuberculosis. Generally, the symptoms of peritonitis are more severe than those of pleurisy. Both pleurisy and peritonitis require active, timely, and regular treatment.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Is pleurisy serious in young people?

Pleurisy, when it occurs in young people, is also relatively common in clinical settings. It is primarily caused by an invasion of the pleura by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, resulting in an inflammatory lesion. The symptoms manifested by these patients mainly include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, and in severe cases, respiratory difficulties. Tuberculous pleurisy is mostly seen in adolescents and children. If young people are diagnosed with pleurisy and receive timely and accurate diagnosis, along with systematic and effective treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs, their condition can generally be effectively controlled. However, it is important to note that although young people have better resistance, they must strictly adhere to the treatment duration for anti-tuberculosis medication, which usually spans six to nine months to completely cure pleurisy.