Causes of Pleurisy, Pleural Effusion
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Causes of Pleurisy
Pleurisy can result from a number of different causes, and
the causes may sometime be difficult to pin down. Typical
causes include tuberculosis and other chest and lung
infections, but a clot in the arteries in the lungs can also
result in pleurisy.
Lupus, hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause
pleurisy, as can an acute viral infection like the flu or
pneumonia.
Pleural effusion
Someone who has pleurisy often experiences a build up of
fluids in the chest lining. Doctors call this fluid build up
"pleural effusion." This fluid lubricates the area and actually
helps reduce breathing discomfort. But this can also lead to a
problem if fluid accumulates because it can interfere with lung
function, resulting in breathing difficulties. Sometimes the
fluid becomes infected, which can lead to serious problems.
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