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For further information, see CMDT Part 9-36: Pleuritis
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The setting in which pain occurs can often narrow the broad list of potential causes
Usually caused by viral respiratory infections or pneumonia (including tuberculosis in endemic regions)
Other causes to consider include
Pulmonary embolism
Inflammatory disorders (serositis)
Malignancy
Drug reactions (such as, procainamide, hydralazine, or isoniazid)
In young, healthy individuals, pleuritis is usually due to a viral respiratory infection
Pleural effusion, pleural thickening, or pneumothorax requires additional diagnostic and therapeutic measures including pleural fluid sampling and analysis
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Treatment is directed at the underlying disease
Anti-inflammatory analgesic medications are often helpful for pain relief
Opioids may be used if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are ineffective or are contraindicated, provided retention of airway secretions is not a concern