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Can I catch pleurisy?

Pleurisy is a type of chest pain that results from irritation or infection of the two sensitive membranes (pleura) that line the outer surface of the lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. Pleurisy causes a sharp, stabbing chest pain that may radiate to the tip of the shoulder on the affected side.

Pleuritic pain is often worse when breathing in deeply, coughing and, occasionally, when making twisting or bending movements. The pain may make you catch your breath, as breathing stretches the two pleuritic membranes and causes them to rub together. This may lead to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Pain may be restricted to one side or affect both sides of the chest, depending on the cause.

Pleurisy starts from a lung infection, such as pneumonia, or a viral infection of the pleura. It can, however, also arise from irritation, such as a pulmonary embolism. If the underlying cause is a viral or bacterial infection, then the respiratory infection itself may be passed on to others to cause a chest infection, although this would not necessarily lead to a pleuritic-type of pain. If the pleurisy is due to irritation, then this is not contagious.

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