If the pleurisy is related to an infection, fighting the infection is the most common treatment. Antibiotics help fight off bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia). Because antibiotics do not work for viral infections, these are often left to clear up without medication.
The pain associated with breathing is treated with anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs). Stronger pain medications may be required for more severe pain. Corticosteroids may be needed for other inflammatory conditions.
Pleurisy can be prevented by avoiding lung infections and environmental causes of pleurisy such as asbestos exposure. To prevent infections, wash your hands before touching your face or eating and after using the washroom, and avoid contact with people who have serious respiratory conditions.
If you work around asbestos (e.g., if you are involved in demolition or construction on older buildings), make sure you are properly trained in how to handle the material safely. If you think you might have asbestos in your home (it can be found in some older homes), do not disturb it by cutting, sanding, or scraping it. Asbestos fibres, which can stay in the air for a long time and can be inhaled into the lungs, have been linked to pleurisy and lung cancer. If you need to have asbestos removed, contact a licensed asbestos removal company.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2021. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Pleurisy