Serous-hemorrhagic pleurisy: causes, symptoms and treatment
Serosanguineous pleurisy, also known as serosahemorrhagic pleurisy, is a serious condition that affects the pleura, the thin film that lines the surface of the lungs and the inner wall of the chest cavity. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the pleura with the simultaneous presence of serum and blood in the pleural cavity.
Serosanguineous pleurisy can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, trauma, tumors, and systemic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Possible causes also include medications, radiation, and even some chronic lung diseases such as tuberculosis.
Symptoms of serous-hemorrhagic pleurisy may vary depending on the severity of the disease, but usually include:
- Chest pain: The pain may be sharp and worsened by taking a deep breath or coughing.
- Difficulty breathing: Patients may experience rapid breathing and a feeling of shortness of breath.
- Cough: The cough may be dry or with little mucus.
- Fever: An increase in body temperature may be a sign of infectious pleurisy.
- Fatigue and weakness: Patients may feel general weakness and fatigue.
The diagnosis of serosanguineous pleurisy involves a visual examination by a physician, as well as various tests such as a chest x-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan, and pleural biopsy. These methods help determine the cause of the disease and assess its severity.
Treatment of serous-hemorrhagic pleurisy is usually aimed at eliminating the underlying cause and alleviating symptoms. In case of infectious pleurisy, antibiotic therapy may be prescribed. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, drainage of the pleural cavity may be necessary to remove accumulated fluid.
It is important to consult a doctor if you experience
Pleurisy is an inflammatory lesion of the pleura - the serous membrane covering the lungs and diaphragm, which is filled with serous (liquid) exudate (inflammatory fluid). It occurs quite often and accounts for approximately 15-20% of all pleural diseases. There are two types of pleurisy: with tumor lesions (oncological) and as a result of infectious diseases (tuberculosis, bronchitis). Serous exudate in tumors is acidophilic (with a pH value less than 7) as a result of the formation of lysosomes, accumulation of chymotrypsin, leiotoxin and other enzymes. A higher density of exudate is characteristic, which is clearly revealed by puncture of the pleural cavity. The greatest difficulties arise in the differential diagnosis between pleurisy of different etiologies. Of particular danger is the addition of a secondary infection with the accumulation of pus in the exudate, then the pH is above 7.8, and in the punctate