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Pleurisy

Overview

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The main symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain when you breathe in. The pain may be worse when you cough, sneeze or move around.

If you have symptoms of pleurisy, a GP will examine you and listen to your chest. You may also need tests, such as blood tests or a chest X-ray.

Pleurisy is usually treated with painkillers until it gets better. You may also need antibiotics if it's caused by a bacterial infection.

Pleurisy is inflammation around the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain.

Page last reviewed: 18/05/2023
Next review due: 18/05/2026