Pleurisy - causes, symptoms & treatment

Pleurisy causes stabbing chest pain & breathlessness. Find out more about causes, symptoms, treatments & how nutrients support healing.

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Wissenswertes über "Pleurisy"

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the thin layer of tissue that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the chest.

Pulmonary pleurisy can have various causes, such as bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune diseases, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction or even mechanical injuries to the chest.Typical symptoms of pleurisy are stinging chest pain, which often intensifies when breathing, coughing or inhaling deeply. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, fever and a general feeling of illness. In some cases, there may also be an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, a so-called pleural effusion. This intensifies the symptoms and can lead to shortness of breath.

The treatment of pleurisy depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, while viral infections are usually treated symptomatically with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, e.g. pleural effusion, drainage may be necessary to drain excess fluid. The prognosis is usually good if the cause of the inflammation is treated effectively, but permanent damage can occur with repeated infections or chronic disease.

Lactoferrin could be supportive in the treatment of pleurisy, especially in bacterial infections. It has antimicrobial properties and strengthens the immune system by binding iron, which the bacteria need for their growth. In addition, there are several vitamins and nutrients that can promote respiratory health and reduce the risk of inflammation. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and protects against oxidative stress, while Vitamin D supports the activity of immune cells and reduces the risk of respiratory infections. Zinc helps to control inflammatory reactions and promotes the function of the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce the intensity of inflammation. Together, these nutrients and lactoferrin can help reduce the risk of pleurisy and support the healing process.

To summarise, the most important preventative measures are to treat respiratory infections in a timely manner, strengthen the immune system regularly and avoid risk factors such as smoking and air pollution. In the event of repeated or chronic inflammation, a doctor should be consulted to rule out or treat underlying diseases.