Pleurisy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Pleurisy**
*Classification & external resources*
ICD-10	J90, R09.1
ICD-9	511

Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs, which can cause painful respiration and other symptoms. Pleurisy can be generated by a variety of infectious and non-infectious causes. The effects of pleurisy can often be felt long after the condition has gone away.

[edit] Symptoms

Fever
Cough
Chills
Shortness of breath
Weight loss
Poor appetite
Sharp chest pain with breathing. Pain can limit the movement on the side of the chest with pleurisy.
The pain can also be in the back, up into the neck, or down into the abdomen.
Rapid shallow breaths
Inability to take a deep breath
Itching in sites on the back (near the site of the lungs, but no visible rashes)

[edit] References in literature

In The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, reference is made to Laura Wingfield's bout with pleurosis during high school. At the time, Laura entertained timid but romantic feelings for Jim, who upon asking about her absence, mistakenly hears her say "blue roses" and carelessly adopts the moniker for her.

Also in Eugene O'Neill's Beyond the Horizon, the main character of Robert comes down with pleurisy.