Pleurisy is a form of chest pain that is caused by several causes. Bacterial or viral infection such as tuberculosis and pneumonia can cause an inflammation or boiling of the pleura, resulting to pleurisy. A tumor on the pleural tissue can also cause pleurisy. People often look for pleurisy treatment because of several symptoms that make it difficult for them to be comfortable.
Pleurisy treatment is often directed first towards the cause of the condition. That means to help alleviate discomfort caused by pleurisy, the infection or the tumor must be managed along with some pain treatments that can help ease the pain. The pain will not go away if the cause is not removed. If you are coughing heavily and it is causing you pain, then you may want to hug a pillow or two to help splint your chest. This will give support to your chest wall and help prevent your chest from expanding too much. Some may find a constant application of elastic bandage wrapped firmly around the chest gives them relief. It is important that you also have adequate rest to help you recover.
Some doctors often recommend antibiotics along with pain killers for pleurisy treatment. Antibiotics are only needed if the pleurisy is caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are not needed if you have a viral infection. Pain medications can be NSAIDS or corticosteroids to help less the pain and inflammation. If there is presence of fluid in your chest cavity, your doctor may also have to perform a draining procedure such as thoracentesis to help less the friction between the chest wall and the pleura. There are times, though, that removing the fluid can make the symptoms worse, especially if the fluid has been in the thorax for so long. The lack of fluid will increase the friction between the chest wall and the pleura. Your doctor will naturally recommend a stronger pain medication to help you breathe easier. You must call your doctor immediately if you experience too much difficulty breathing and if the pain is now causing you to cough heavily.