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If fluid has begun to build up in the chest or lungs, the doctor may take a test sample of it. Other imaging tests may be used, such as an ultrasound or electrocardiogram, to rule out heart disease. They will also show if the lungs are filling up with air as much as possible. These tests help show if fluid is building up in the lungs. Using a stethoscope, the doctor may hear a squeaky, rubbing sound.Ĭhest X-rays and CT scans are often used to see an image of what is going on inside the lungs and chest. Because the pain tied to pleurisy is distinct, it is often easy for the physician to diagnose. Some types of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritisĭiagnosis of pleurisy usually starts with a physical exam.Inhaling asbestos or other toxic substances.Irritation of the pleura can be caused by: Large quantities of fluid can make expanding one or both lungs difficult.
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If fluid builds up between the layers of the pleura, the chest pain may go away. On the side where the pain is, the muscles of the chest move less than those on the other side. You might also feel pain in the upper abdominal area, neck, back, and shoulders.īecause inhaling deeply hurts, a person with pleurisy tends to breathe quickly and shallowly. Usually the pain is felt in the chest wall over the area that’s inflamed. Other times, the pain may be felt all the time and get worse with deep breathing or coughing.
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Sometimes the pain is only felt while breathing deeply or coughing. The pain may be very mild or very severe. Usually the first sign of pleurisy is a sudden chest pain.