What Is Pleurisy And What Causes It?

Viral Infections

Viral infections are the most common reasons individuals develop pleurisy because they are one of the most common causes of lung issues altogether. Both the flu and common cold are viruses that affect millions of patients worldwide each year. When the body is trying to fight off these viruses, the levels of inflammation throughout the lungs are increased. In some individuals, the inflammation ends up affecting the pleura, causing the characteristic pain with each breath. Of course, it is never fun to be sick with the cold or flu, and having pleurisy tends to greatly increase the discomfort. Though no medications can halt a viral infection immediately, individuals can take anti-inflammatory medications to treat pleurisy. In more mild cases of viral infections, pleurisy can be a fairly brief condition that lasts a few days.