what is pleurisy? and is it curable?

Answer 1

Pleurisy is swelling (inflammation) of the thin layers of tissue (pleura) covering the lungs and the chest wall.

The outer layer of the pleura lines the inside of the chest wall, and the inner layer covers the lungs. The tiny space between the two layers is called the pleural cavity. This cavity normally contains a small amount of lubricating fluid that allows the two layers to slide over each other when you breathe.

When the pleura becomes inflamed, the layers rub together, causing chest pain. This is known as pleuritic pain.


young, healthy people, a viral infection of the lower respiratory system or pneumonia usually causes the inflammation and pleurisy. Pleurisy caused by a virus usually lasts a few days to 1 or 2 weeks. In very rare cases, pleurisy can spread to others—it is contagious.