Why is pleurisy so painful?

As a medical professional with expertise in respiratory conditions, I can explain why pleurisy is so painful. Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. The pleura consists of two layers: the visceral pleura, which is attached to the lungs, and the parietal pleura, which lines the chest wall. These two layers are normally separated by a small amount of fluid that allows them to glide over each other as the lungs expand and contract during breathing. The pain associated with pleurisy is typically sharp and stabbing, and it is most pronounced during breathing. This is because the act of inhaling and exhaling causes the inflamed layers of the pleura to rub against each other. The friction generated by this movement can be quite painful. The pain may subside when you hold your breath or apply pressure to the painful area, as these actions can reduce the movement of the pleura. However, activities that increase the movement of the chest, such as sneezing, coughing, or moving, can exacerbate the pain. Additionally, the inflammation can cause the production of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura, a condition known as pleural effusion. This excess fluid can further irritate the pleura and contribute to the pain and shortness of breath. In summary, the pain of pleurisy is a result of the inflammation of the pleura, which leads to friction between the layers as they move with breathing, and potentially the accumulation of fluid that further irritates the pleura.

The chief symptom associated with pleurisy is a sharp, stabbing pain when you breathe. This pain might go away when you hold your breath or put pressure on the painful area. However, the pain will often get worse when you sneeze, cough, or move. ... shortness of breath.