Brief Answer:
There are many causes of pleurisy, commonest being infections

Detailed Answer:

Hello XXXX,

Pleurisy is basically inflammation of pleural membranes-the outer covering of the lungs.

There are many causes of pleurisy, commonest being infections. Other causes can be collagen vascular disorders, malignancy, trauma and likewise. It is the initial stage of inflammation of pleural membrane which can be very painful. Subsequently , generally fluid accumulates between the membranes and pain may subside. This is called pleural effusion.

Treatment of pleurisy/pleural effusion is by treating the underlying cause. Hence one needs to undergo investigations to ascertain the cause.

Since infection is the commonest cause, one needs to take the antibiotics along with other supportive treatment like pain killers for the pain, fever etc.

If the cause is other than infection, appropriate treatment depending on the cause has to be started.

I hope this answers your query.

Take care.

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