You probably have heard that chest pain is one of the major signs or symptoms indicating a heart attack. While it’s often a very good indication that something’s not right, chest pain isn’t always a sign of a heart condition. If you’re experiencing chest pain or a similar “heart-attack-like” sensation and it is accompanied by difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of pleurisy. What exactly is pleurisy? Is it life-threatening? What causes it? And is there any way to prevent it, or treat it? Keep reading for the answers to all of those questions – and more!

You probably have heard that chest pain is one of the major signs or symptoms indicating a heart attack. If you’ve had a heart attack, that symptom may hit home with you even more! And while it’s often a very good indication that something’s not right, chest pain isn’t always a sign of a heart condition.

If you’re experiencing chest pain or a similar “heart-attack-like” sensation and it is accompanied by difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of pleurisy.

What exactly is pleurisy? Is it life-threatening? What causes it? And is there any way to prevent it, or treat it? Keep reading for the answers to all of those questions – and more!

Pleurisy Facts
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the lining of the cavity around the lungs (the pleuras). When the pleura are inflamed, the tissues rub against one another and cause sharp sensations of pain while inhaling, exhaling or sneezing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath and dry, painful coughs.

Viral infections are the most common cause of pleurisy (also known as pleuritis), but it can also develop due to a previous or recent chest injury and after a diagnosis of tuberculosis, pneumonia, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, cancer or lupus.

Often with pleurisy, fluid collects between the linings of the lung in a condition known as pleural effusion. This fluid normally serves as a lubricant, but pain can develop when too much fluid collects and presses into the lungs. The fluid can also become infected with a virus and lead to chills and fever. Effusion is a usually less painful condition than “dry” pleurisy.

Pleurisy can also be audible, producing a noise that emanates from the chest that can sound like a cracking or squeaking sound.

Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, including aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help to alleviate symptoms. Temporarily placing pressure on the painful area can also be beneficial. Associated coughing can best be treated with prescription cough syrups containing codeine. If the pain is persistent, intensifies or you develop a fever, see a doctor immediately.

The following natural remedies may also help:

Black Seed Oil. This powerful anti-inflammatory can speed the reduction of swelling in the pleural tissue.

Collodial Silver. This mixture of silver suspended in water is a popular antibiotic used to treat viral infections.

Olive Leaf. The anti-viral properties of this plant can prevent future infections and keep an existing case of pleurisy from spreading.

Additionally, be sure to avoid smoking and secondhand smoke and avoid overexertion through exercise, strenuous work or stressful situations.