Diagnosis
As a complication of pleurisy inflammation, adhesions of the pleura can occur. This is due to the shallow breathing in a wet pleurisy, which causes the pleura and the lung pleura to lie on top of each other for longer than usual. If such an adhesion of the two parts of the pleura occurs, this is followed by a functional disorder of breathing, since the ability of the lungs to unfold is restricted.
Therapy
During pleurisy, bed rest is indicated to protect the body. If the condition improves, respiratory gymnastics should be started to train the lungs and prevent the formation of ringworm. In the case of uncomplicated courses, the administration of painkillers can be helpful.
Since coughing can be very painful in the case of pleurisy, the irritation of the throat is suppressed by cough-relieving medication. In the case of a productive cough with sputum, it is of course not advisable to inhibit the coughing stimulus, because the mucus should then be removed. Further drug therapy depends on the cause of the pleurisy.
A bacterially caused wet pleurisy is treated with antibiotic drugs. The inflammatory process can also be contained by medication containing cortisone. At the same time one tries to prevent adhesions.
If the inflammation or effusion causes severe shortness of breath, oxygen can be administered via a nasal probe or mask. The pleural effusion should in any case be drained from the thorax in time. This can be done by puncture.
Surgery may become necessary if the pleura and pulmonary pleura have grown together severely and the function of the lungs is restricted. In very late stages, unfortunately, it is not always possible to restore the lung‘s ability to function. The earlier and more effectively one begins to treat a wet pleurisy, the shorter the duration and the better the prognosis.
