The pleural 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. The chest (thoracic or pleural) cavity is a space that is enclosed by the spine, ribs, and sternum (breast bone) and is separated from the abdomen by the diaphragm.
Types of Pleural Diseases :
- Hemothorax: Accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity.
- Pleural effusion: Accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural cavity; this accumulation pushes against the lung and prevents full expansion with breathing.
- Empyema: The accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity. This is a type of pleural effusion that is usually associated with pneumonia (an infection in the adjacent lung).
- Pleural tumors: Malignant tumours arising from the pleura (e.g. mesothelioma) or spreading to the pleura (metastatic) from another site, and benign tumours arising from the pleura
- Pneumothorax: Accumulation of air within the pleural cavity between the outside of the lung and the inside of the rib cage.
Symptoms of Pleural Disorders
- Shortness of breath
- A cough
- Fever and chills
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sore throat that is followed by joint swelling and soreness
Causes of Pleural Disorders
- Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
- Lung cancer
- Other lung diseases, such as sarcoidosis, asbestosis, and mesothelioma
- Pulmonary embolism
- Familial Mediterranean fever
- Parasites
- Heart surgery
- Chest injury (trauma)
- Reaction to certain medications
DR. RAVI SHEKHAR JHA
MBBS, MD, DNB, EDRM
Sr. Consultant In Department Of Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine
Fortis Escort Hospital, Faridabad (Delhi NCR)
