Pleurisy (Pleuritis) is a non-infectious disease/condition resulting from an inflammation of the pleura (the protective sack which surrounds the lungs). Pleurae reduces the friction between chest structures during the contraction and expansion of the lungs, hence inflammation in the pleura makes breathing is painful.
• Pleurisy is a condition resulting from the inflammation of the pleura (double-layered lung lining/membrane that covers the lungs and lines the rib cage), which generally lasts from a few days to 2 weeks and often resolves without treatment.
• The pleura protects the lung surface as it inflates and deflates within our rib cage.
• There is a narrow gap normally filled with a lubricating fluid between the two (2) layers to allows the two (2) surfaces to gently glide past each other, but when the pleura becomes inflamed, lubrication is impaired and the two (2) layers rub against each other (with the friction intensified during breathing, Coughing or sneezing), resulting in a sharp pain.
Types of Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
1) Dry Pleurisy – It occurs when the pleura is embedded with fibrous tissue. The pleurae which are inflamed rub directly against each other.
2) Effusive/Wet Pleurisy – It occurs when there is pleural effusion (the space of pleural layers filled with extra fluid). There is an oozing of the fluid from the inflamed tissue, which takes place into the space between the chest wall and the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing as it compress the lungs.
3) Purulent Pleurisy – It is most dangerous type of Pleurisy in which the spaces between pleura layers is filled with dead cells commonly known as pus.
Pleurisy can be accompanied by:
a) Pleural effusion – Its the building up of fluids in the small space between the two (2) layers of tissue, and when there is a fair amount of fluid, pleuritic pain lessens or disappears because the two (2) layers of pleura are no longer in contact and don’t rub together.
b) Atelectasis – It makes breathing difficult and might cause Coughing as a large amount of fluid in the pleural space can create pressure, compressing the lung to the point that it partially or completely collapses (atelectasis).
c) Empyema – Its the extra fluid which can become infected, resulting in an accumulation of pus which is often accompanied by Fever.
Causes of Pleurisy
• Bacterial Infections, such as pneumonia and Tuberculosis
• Chest injuries (a chest Wound that punctures the pleural cavity)
• A pleural tumor
• Autoimmune disorders (such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Sickle cell Anemia
• Pancreatitis
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
• Heart surgery
• Lung Cancer (or Lymphoma)
• Infection (fungal or parasitic)
• Rib fracture or Trauma
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Familial mediterranean Fever
• Chest surgery or Trauma
• Certain medications (such as procainamide [treats abnormal heart rhythms], hydralazine [treats High Blood Pressure], or isoniazid [treats Tuberculosis])
• Dry and wet Pleurisy is the result of the complications caused by the:
• Respiratory tract Infections (such as viral Infections, Tuberculosis, pneumonia etc.)
• A tumor
• Some injury
Symptoms of Pleurisy (general)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (localized pin in the chest especially in the chest wall worsened by Coughing and deep breathing)
• Hard Cough and Fever
• Sharp, stabbing pain, or a constant ache in the chest
• Shortness of breath, or rapid, shallow breathing
• Coughing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat
Symptoms of Pleurisy (caused by a viral infection)
• A sore throat
• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Joint Pain
• Muscle aches
Food Remedies for Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
• Caraway – The aromatic Caraway Seeds contains carvone (a compound which demonstrates Anti-Inflammatory effects and can reduce the biosynthesis of prostaglandins) and works as a natural analgesic (might help ease chest pain), thus have traditionally been considered helpful in tackling Pleurisy. Steep around 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of dried and powdered Caraway Seed in hot Water to make a cup of soothing Caraway tea.
• Capsicum – Capsicum has both anti-oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in the treatment of Pleurisy. It also helps to detoxify the body by clearing congested mucous membrane located in the nose and lungs.
• Celery – The leaves and seeds are very efficient and effective Herbal Remedy for the treatment of Pleurisy, Asthma, Bronchitis and Tuberculosis as they have Anti-Spasmodic properties.
• Garlic – Garlic has traditionally been used to treat Pleurisy as its organosulfur compounds have powerful Anti-Inflammatory actions, act against bacteria which cause chest Infection and helpful at supporting Immune System. A Clove of Garlic on an empty stomach along will some Water every day is recommended to tackle Pleurisy.
• Ginger – Ginger has strong Anti-Inflammatory effects which can inhibit the release of prostaglandin, therefore acting like nonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which ease pain and inflammation.It can also act against pathogens which could attack the Respiratory tract and cause chest Infections. Simmer chopped Ginger in Water for about 10 minutes and Strain to prepare the cup of Ginger tea.
• Linseed – Linseed is very effective in curing Pleurisy. A loose poultice of the seeds can be applied in chest troubles and diseases like pneumonia, Bronchitis and Pleurisy. The counter Irritant effect of the poultice can be enhanced by dusting Mustard powder over it.
• Raw Honey – Raw Honey is an ancient treatment for Pleurisy, since it has been found to reduce inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and COX-2 and thereby exert an Anti-Inflammatory effect. Raw Honey has potent Anti-Microbial properties (fight pathogens that can cause lung Infections such as pneumonia) and can also decrease the concentration of prostaglandin E2 (a Lipid mediator which has a role to play in inflammatory pain).
• Selenium – Selenium is a vital component to help in proper functioning of the Immune System by helping to provide white blood cells the nourishment they need to help our bodies fight off Infections and illness. Getting enough Selenium may be an important factor as it works as an anti-oxidant to combat cell damaging free radicals (in combination with Vitamin E).
• Turmeric – It has potent Anti-Inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, can reduce prostaglandin E(2) and also works as an analgesic, thus may help ease chest pain caused by Pleurisy. Boil Turmeric powder in Milk (or steep Turmeric powder in hot Water to prepare some Turmeric tea), then add a dAsh of Raw Honey to sweeten and increase its healing power.
Herbal Remedies for Pleurisy (Pleuritis)
• Astragalus – Its polysaccharides provide Anti-Inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can aid in the relief of Pleurisy. Astragalus is safe for long term use. Add 1 teaspoon of dried Astragalus root to a cup and pour boiling Water over the herb, let the roots steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and sip to enjoy/consumed 2–4 times daily as an immune booster to help combat Pleurisy.
• Hogweed – The herb is beneficial/valuable in treating Pleurisy, nervous weakness, Anemia, Cough, Constipation and paralysis. It helps in comfortable breathing, helpful in removing catarrh substance and phlegm from the bronchial tube. It is consumed (taken at least 3 times a day) in the powdered form after drying the roots of the Hogweed.
• Holy Basil – Tulsi has many beneficial effects that may help with Pleurisy, such as tackling Respiratory Infections, inhibiting pathogens which may cause chest Infections and being a COX-2 inhibitor (like some NSAIDS). Fresh tulsi leaves (or steeped dried leaf in hot Water) can be used to make a cup of its tea which also has significant Anti-Inflammatory and analgesic effects.
• Hyssop – Its prescribed for Pleurisy/pleuritis (a type of chest pain). The whole plant can be used to treat Bronchitis, closed congested chest, Fevers, upper Respiratory tract Infections and Colds; it is especially beneficial to use in children in this way.
• Olive Leaves – Olive leaf extract (such as oleuropein, one of its active ingredients) is a natural Anti-Biotic that can help the body to ease the discomfort of Pleurisy symptoms. Oleuropein has the ability to destroy a wide range of pathogens by breaking down and destroying their cell walls. Oleuropein aglycone (an Olive Oil compound, an effective Anti-Inflammatory) significantly reduced inflammation. Put 1 teaspoon of dried Olive leaf in a cup, then pour 1 cup of boiling Water over the dried herb and allow to steep for 10 minutes. strain and sip to enjoy. Olive leaf extract is an effective herb solution for the treatment of Pleurisy.
• Pleurisy Root – Expectorant herbs like Pleurisy Root is used to relieve the pain and inflammation resulting from Pleurisy, helps to eliminate mucous and loosen phlegm, open the airways and treat Bronchitis, cold, pneumonia and the Colds (Flu). Put 1 teaspoon of dried Pleurisy Root in a cup, then pour 1 cup of boiling Water over the herb and allow the tea to steep for 30 minutes. strain and sip to enjoy. The Pleurisy mix (contains the herbs: Yarrow, Garlic, Rosehips, Elecampane, Pleurisy Root and Nettle with the bach flower remedies Pine, wild Rose and Olive) is taken with copious amounts of hot fresh Lemon drinks and Rosehips tea to quickly clear the Infection, where the course should be continued for 8-12 weeks after all symptoms have gone to completely heal (scarring should have nearly gone, the lungs restored to normal and a healthy immunity fully restored).
• Slippery Elm – Its recommended for dealing with Pleurisy. It is thought to have a soothing effect on Respiratory/chest Infections (soothe sore throats). An infusion can be made of this herb by steeping it in hot Water.
