Respiratory
Medicines for Pleurisy
Inflammation of the lining around the lungs, causing sharp chest pain that is worse on breathing in — treatment depends on the underlying cause, most often a viral infection.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Pleurisy?
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the two thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the inside of the chest. When inflamed, these layers rub together, causing a characteristic sharp, stabbing chest pain that is worse when breathing in, coughing or sneezing.
- How it is treated: Treatment is directed at the underlying cause and at relieving the pain.
- Self-care: Rest, staying hydrated and using pain relief as advised help recovery from viral pleurisy.
- When to seek help: See a doctor for new sharp chest pain that is worse on breathing.
What it is
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the two thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the inside of the chest. When inflamed, these layers rub together, causing a characteristic sharp, stabbing chest pain that is worse when breathing in, coughing or sneezing. The most common cause is a viral infection, but pleurisy can also result from a chest infection, and less commonly from conditions such as a pulmonary embolism, autoimmune disease or other lung problems — so finding the cause matters. Sometimes fluid collects between the layers (a pleural effusion). Diagnosis is based on the history, examination and tests such as a chest X-ray or blood tests to look for the cause.
How it is treated
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause and at relieving the pain. Viral pleurisy often settles on its own, with anti-inflammatory pain relief helping symptoms. A bacterial chest infection is treated with antibiotics, and more serious causes such as a pulmonary embolism need specific, urgent treatment. A large or troublesome collection of fluid may need to be drained. Because the causes range from minor to serious, sudden pleuritic chest pain — especially with breathlessness — is assessed promptly.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Pleurisy
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Rest, staying hydrated and using pain relief as advised help recovery from viral pleurisy. Not smoking supports lung health. Following up if symptoms persist or worsen is important, as the cause guides treatment.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for new sharp chest pain that is worse on breathing. Call 999 if chest pain is severe, comes with sudden breathlessness, a racing heart, coughing up blood, or collapse, as these can signal a serious cause such as a pulmonary embolism.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Pleurisy: frequently asked questions
What does pleurisy feel like?
It typically causes a sharp, stabbing chest pain that is worse when you breathe in, cough or sneeze. The pain comes from the inflamed lung linings rubbing together.
Is pleurisy serious?
It depends on the cause. Viral pleurisy often settles on its own, but pleurisy can sometimes signal a serious problem such as a pulmonary embolism — so new pleuritic chest pain, especially with breathlessness, should be assessed promptly.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Pleurisy
- NICE CKS — Chest pain
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