Pleural Disease

The pleura is the membrane that lines the thoracic (chest) cavity and covers the lungs. It is like a large sheet of tissue that wraps around the outside of the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. There are several types of pleural diseases, including

• Pleurisy - an infection of the pleural cavity
• Pleural effusion - the buildup of pleural fluid in the pleural cavity
• Pneumothorax - the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity
• Hemothorax - the presence of blood in the pleural cavity
• Pleural tumors

Symptoms of pleurisy may include:

• Shortness of breath
• A cough
• Fever and chills
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sore throat that is followed by joint swelling and soreness

Symptoms of pneumothorax include:

• Sudden sharp pain that worsens with deep breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue
• Fast heart rate
• Bluish skin color (called cyanosis)

Symptoms of hemothorax may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Respiratory failure
• A rapid heart rate
• Anxiety
• Restlessness