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Pleural Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lungs Breathing

Pleural Disorders

The pleura is a thin tissue layer surrounding the lungs, and disorders affecting this area often involve the accumulation of fluid, air, or blood.

Overview

The pleura is a large, thin sheet of tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity. Between the layers of the pleura is a very thin space, which normally contains a small amount of fluid. This fluid allows the two layers to glide smoothly past each other during the breathing process.

Types of Pleural Disorders

  • Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura that causes sharp pain with breathing.
  • Pleural effusion: Excess fluid in the pleural space.
  • Pneumothorax: Buildup of air or gas in the pleural space.
  • Hemothorax: Buildup of blood in the pleural space.

Causes and Treatment

Pleural problems can arise from many different conditions:

  • Viral infection is the most common cause of pleurisy.
  • Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of pleural effusion.
  • Lung diseases, such as COPD, tuberculosis, and acute lung injury, can cause pneumothorax.
  • Chest injury is the most common cause of hemothorax.

Treatment focuses on removing the excess fluid, air, or blood from the pleural space, relieving symptoms, and addressing the underlying condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The hallmark sign of a pneumothorax is sudden, sharp chest pain that often worsens when you take a deep breath or cough. This is frequently accompanied by sudden shortness of breath. Other signs include rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, bluish skin or lips due to lack of oxygen. If you experience these symptoms, especially after chest trauma or if you have a history of lung disease, call emergency services immediately.
Doctors typically diagnose a pleural effusion using a chest X-ray or CT scan to visualize the fluid buildup. To determine the cause, a procedure called thoracentesis is performed, where a needle is used to withdraw a small sample of the fluid. This fluid is then analyzed for cell counts, protein levels, and the presence of bacteria or cancer cells. The results help distinguish between transudative effusions (caused by heart failure or liver disease) and exudative effusions (caused by infection, cancer, or inflammation).
Mild pleurisy pain, often caused by a viral infection, may be managed at home with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and shallow breathing techniques to reduce pain. However, you should see a doctor if the pain is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by fever, cough, or shortness of breath. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition such as pneumonia or a pulmonary embolism that requires specific medical treatment.
hemothorax is the accumulation of blood in the pleural space, usually resulting from chest trauma, surgery, or a ruptured blood vessel. A pleural effusion is the buildup of other types of fluid, such as serous fluid from heart failure or pus from infection. Treatment for a hemothorax often requires urgent drainage via a chest tube to prevent clotting and infection, and may involve surgery to stop the bleeding. Pleural effusions are treated by draining the fluid and addressing the underlying cause, such as diuretics for heart failure or antibiotics for infection.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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