How Do I Know If I Have Pleurisy?

Oftentimes, the distinctive pain caused by pleurisy is an important clue to your doctor. In addition, your doctor will listen to your chest with a stethoscope as you breathe. If this exam reveals pleural friction rub -- the abrasive sound of the pleura's two layers sliding against each other -- the diagnosis is clear.

      Pleural friction rub produces a scraping, raspy sound that occurs at the end of your inhalation and the beginning of your exhalation. It comes from the area directly over the pleural inflammation. A decrease in breath sounds and a change in their quality may allow your doctor to diagnose a pleural effusion.

      Your doctor may also take X-rays of your chest. It could be done by stationary or mobile x ray machine. These X-rays will be normal if you have only pleurisy without fluid, but may show fluid if you have a pleural effusion. CT scans and ultrasound scans may also be used to better visualize the pleural space.

      If there is fluid present, your doctor may draw a sample of pleural fluid for analysis. Your doctor will determine the exact location of the fluid. Then, after injecting your back or chest with a local anesthetic, your doctor will use a syringe to extract the fluid in a procedure called thoracentesis. This may be done with guidance from an ultrasound test. The doctor will run tests on the sample to determine the underlying cause of the fluid buildup.