What Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders?
Pleurisy (PLUR-ih-se) is inflammation of the pleura. The pleura is a membrane that consists of two large, thin layers of tissue. One layer wraps around the outside of your lungs. The other layer lines the inside of your chest cavity. Between the layers of the pleura is a very thin space called the pleural space. Normally this space is filled with a small amount of fluid about 4 teaspoons full. The fluid helps the two layers of the pleura glide smoothly past each other as you breathe in and out. Pleurisy occurs if the two layers of the pleura become irritated and inflamed. Because the layers have little space between them, they rub against each other every time you breathe in. This rubbing can cause sharp pain. Many conditions can cause pleurisy, including viral infections.
