Pleurisy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pleurisy?
A pulmonologist, a doctor who treats lung problems, often treats pleurisy. Pleurisy is swelling of the thin lining around the lungs and chest. A primary care doctor can often start the evaluation. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pleurisy?
Pleurisy is swelling, called inflammation, of the lining of the lungs and chest. This lining is called the pleura. Pleurisy leads to chest pain when you take a deep breath, sneeze, or cough. Often this chest pain feels sharp. Another name for pleurisy is pleuritis.
The pleura is a large, thin sheet of tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest. Between its layers is a very thin space that is normally filled with a small amount of fluid. The fluid helps the two layers glide smoothly past each other as you breathe.
Symptoms
The main symptom of pleurisy is chest pain. This pain often occurs when you take a deep breath in or out, or cough. Some people feel the pain in the shoulder. Deep breathing, coughing, sneezing, and chest movement make the pain worse.
Pleurisy can cause fluid to collect inside the chest. When that happens, these symptoms can occur:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
Causes and who gets it
Pleurisy may develop when you have lung inflammation due to an infection. Examples are a viral infection, pneumonia (a lung infection), or tuberculosis (a serious lung infection). A viral infection is the most common cause of pleurisy.
Pleurisy may also occur with certain cancers, chest injuries, rib fractures, or a blood clot in the lung. It can also occur with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or sickle cell disease.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider may listen to your chest with a stethoscope. With pleurisy, the smooth lining of the lung becomes rough. The rough surfaces rub together with each breath and make a grating sound called a friction rub.
Your provider may order a complete blood count (a blood test), a chest X-ray, a CT scan of the chest, or an ultrasound of the chest. Fluid may be removed from the chest with a needle, called thoracentesis, so it can be tested.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the pleurisy. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria. Surgery or a tube placed in the chest may be needed to drain infected fluid from the lungs. Viral infections normally run their course without medicines. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain.
Chances for recovery depend on the cause of the pleurisy and your general health.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of pleurisy.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, your skin turns blue or grey, you faint, you cough up blood, or you have a change in mental status, such as confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review your symptoms, arrange a chest X-ray, and refer you to a lung specialist when needed. They can also follow up with you while you recover.
Common questions
Is pleurisy serious?
It can be, depending on the cause. Pleurisy can lead to breathing difficulty or fluid buildup between the chest wall and the lung. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or your skin turns blue or grey.
What does pleurisy pain feel like?
Pleurisy pain often feels sharp. It often comes when you take a deep breath, sneeze, or cough, and some people feel it in the shoulder.
Can pleurisy go away without medicine?
Sometimes it can, depending on the cause. Viral infections normally run their course without medicines. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
Can pleurisy be prevented?
Early treatment of bacterial respiratory infections can prevent pleurisy.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
