Causes of Pleurisy

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The pleura, which lie between your lungs and your ribcage is made up of two layers. One layer is attached to your ribcage and the other is attached to your lungs. The layers are separated by a very thin layer of liquid that works like a lubricating oil to let them move past each other when you breathe in and out.

If the pleura are irritated , the two layers become uneven and the fluid may become sticky. This means that the layers rub together causing discomfort and pain.

Pleurisy is usually caused by a viral infection such as a common cold or flu. It may also be caused by a condition that affects the lungs, such as pneumonia or a pulmonary embolus (blood clot). Sometimes, an autoimmune disease, where the bodyâ€™s immune (defence) system attacks its own tissue, is the cause. Pleurisy can also be one of the signs of some cancers.

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