What can cause pleuresy ?!
Question: a few days ago, I was feeling a bearable slight pain underneath my ribs, on the right side... Went to see my doctor, and he said it's just the lower part of the ribs pressing on my pleura. He prescribed me Ibuprofen, for a week, and told me to see him again if the pain won't go away. The week's not finished yet, but I read somewhere that pleuresy is also associated with cancer, or bacterian infection. I'm not feverish, no other symptoms, but I am concerned in case the pain will not go away after this week. Should I seek assistance from another doctor ? This ibuprofen is not more than a pain killer as far as I know... Thank you
Answers: a few days ago, I was feeling a bearable slight pain underneath my ribs, on the right side... Went to see my doctor, and he said it's just the lower part of the ribs pressing on my pleura. He prescribed me Ibuprofen, for a week, and told me to see him again if the pain won't go away. The week's not finished yet, but I read somewhere that pleuresy is also associated with cancer, or bacterian infection. I'm not feverish, no other symptoms, but I am concerned in case the pain will not go away after this week. Should I seek assistance from another doctor ? This ibuprofen is not more than a pain killer as far as I know... Thank you
Infection, trauma, gastrointestinal disease, lung infection, cancer, inhaling chemicals, various tumors, obstruction of lymph vessels. I wouldn't worry about it unless you have a fever, a very sharp pain, a cough or shortness of breath. You probably just have an annoying ache from the pleura. It will go away.
And also, Pleurisy IS associated with cancer. I'm not suggesting anything except that the first poster should know what they are talking about before they answer a question. Anyway, I doubt you have it. You have to describe your pain more. If it's really sharp and stabbing, then you should get a second opinion. If it's an ache with no associated symptoms then you are fine.
Pleurisy is not associated with cancer. It is inflammation of the pleura and is very pain full. The patient finds comfort lying down on the infected side. You would be coughing and have difficulty breathing.
I know a friend who had it and no cancer, very pain full, it is always prudent to get a second opinion, call your doc now don't wait till a week. You could end up in a hospital with pleurisy and you don't want that. Tall your doctor of your fears and see what she has to say, if not satisfied don't hesitate to see another.
I'm not saying you have this...but I can tell you that I get pleurisy at least twice a year and it's caused by my lupus. Lupus causes inflammation in all kinds of areas of your body, but it really likes to go after the lining of the lungs. If you have other symptoms of lupus, I would recommend talking to the doc about it. Just to be safe. You don't have to have lupus to have pleurisy though.