The pleura is a thin tissue layer that covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity. It can be injured by a variety of factors, including trauma, infection, and inflammation. While some injuries may be mild and resolve on their own, others can cause serious complications and require medical attention.
Trauma to the chest can cause a variety of injuries to the pleura, including fractures of the ribs and sternum, which can puncture the lung and cause a pneumothorax. Blunt trauma can also cause hemorrhage in the pleural space, leading to a hemothorax.
Infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis can cause inflammation of the pleura, known as pleurisy. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and a dry cough. In some cases, the infection can progress to an empyema, which is a collection of pus in the pleural space that requires drainage.
Inflammation of the pleura can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This can lead to pleuritis, which can cause chest pain and shortness of breath.
Treatment for injuries to the pleura depends on the severity and underlying cause of the injury. Mild injuries may require only rest and pain management, while more serious injuries may require drainage of the pleural space or surgery to repair damage to the pleura.
Other injuries to the pleura can be caused by trauma, infection, and inflammation. While some injuries may be mild and resolve on their own, others can cause serious complications and require medical attention. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of pleural injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications.