Overview

To diagnose pleurisy, your healthcare provider will listen to your lungs and ask you about your health history. They’ll ask you questions about your pain, like where it hurts, what it feels like and if anything makes it worse. They may want you to get imaging or other tests done.

What tests will be done to diagnose pleurisy?

Your healthcare provider uses tests to diagnose pleurisy and figure out the underlying cause. Possible tests include:

  • Blood tests. Your provider looks at a sample of your blood for signs of infection or autoimmune disorders.
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). Your provider may use small electrodes on your body to see how well your heart is working. This is to make sure a heart problem isn’t causing your chest pain.
  • Imaging tests. Your provider takes pictures of your lungs using X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds to help them figure out what’s causing your pain.
  • Fluid testing (thoracentesis). Your provider inserts a small needle into the area around your lungs and removes fluid. They examine the fluid for signs of infection or clues to other causes of pleurisy.
  • Thoracoscopy. Your provider uses a small, lighted tube with a camera to look inside your lungs and find any problems.

Will a chest X-ray show pleurisy?

Chest X-rays can’t show pleurisy directly, but they can give your provider clues about what might be causing your symptoms, like fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) or an infection (pneumonia).

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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