The structure of our lungs is thought out by nature to the smallest detail. This body does not stop its work throughout life, nourishing the blood with oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. But, at the same time, he is quite vulnerable and can easily take on infections of other organs. Often, as a result of such lesions, a disease called lung pleurisy develops. What is it, how to treat it, and what are the consequences and symptoms of such a disease? Can traditional medicine help in the treatment of this disease, and if so, how?
What is pleura and why is it needed?
Lungs - a bipartite symmetrical organ located in the chest cavity. It is covered with two layers of a thin protective film - pleura. One of them envelops the lung itself, while the other lines our chest from the inside. Between these tissues, a small amount of fluid is formed, which is necessary so that the pleural sheets do not rub against each other or the chest cavity when enlarged and compressed (inhalation and exhalation). Normally, for normal glide of these leaves, 2 ml of pleural fluid is sufficient. But it happens that these shells become inflamed, and between them a large amount of exudate (fluid) is formed. Such a pathology in medicine is called pleurisy of the lungs. What is it and how to treat it?
Why is this happening?
In fact, pleurisy is the body's reaction to other diseases, therefore it is right to call it a symptom, not a disease. Such a course can be caused by completely different factors: mechanical injury to the lung or ribs, infectious lesions, oncological or other general systemic pathologies. Disease of the lungs pleurisy accompanied by hypoxia, pain in the lung area. To prescribe treatment, a specialist must determine which type the disease belongs to and as a result of which it arose. Infectious diseases, which a person becomes infected with when their immunity is weakened, become the most common cause of such a disease.
Among the infectious, several forms are distinguished:
- Specific - pathogens are syphilis, tubercle bacillus, etc.
- Non-specific - causes of pleurisy of the lungs: putrefactive and any other bacteria, fungi or viruses (staphylococci, pneumococci, streptococci and others).
- Purulent - are divided according to severity. May occur due to tissue necrosis (cancer, leukemia, sarcoma and other serious diseases).
Disease classification
The disease - pleurisy of the lungs - can also occur due to other diseases not associated with infectious lesions. These are arthritis, digestive diseases, heart disorders or gynecological problems.
By the nature of the lesion, pleurisy is divided into:
- escudative - between the layers of the pleura, liquid is formed and retained;
- fibrous - poor fluid excretion, but the surface of the pleural walls itself is covered with a layer of fibrin (protein).
Pleurisy is also divided by the nature of the spread. They can be affected only one lung or both lobes (unilateral and bilateral).
Symptomatology
Based on the history and all related tests, the doctor makes a diagnosis of pleurisy of the lungs. Symptoms and treatment that will be carried out are closely related. Each form of pleurisy is treated with certain medications and may require surgical intervention.
The main symptoms are:
- Inhalation pains in the side where the affected lung is located. Strengthens with a dry cough and can give to the heart, abdomen.
- Shortness of breath, pain when swallowing, painful hiccups.
- The patient may notice a feeling of constriction in the lung area.
- An agonizing dry cough and shortness of breath.
- Malaise, fever, loss of appetite, headache - symptoms of poisoning the body with toxins located in the pleural cavity.
- The patient's skin becomes cyanotic. Venous veins on the neck increase, pulse increases.
- In the area of fluid accumulation, swelling (in the intercostal space) can be observed.
Diagnostics
There are many pathological processes similar in their symptoms to a disease such as pleurisy of the lungs. What is it, the doctor must determine. During the examination, the patient is assigned an x-ray examination and pleural puncture for collection and examination of the fluid. Ultrasound, ECG, CT with a contrast agent can also be performed. A blood test for bacteriology and histology is performed.
Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with pleurisy of the lungs, what is it, how to treat the disease, your doctor will explain. The inflammatory process in the pleural zone is an occasion for hospitalization. The patient is prescribed complete or partial rest. Such a lesion is caused by another initial disease, because pleurisy is treated symptomatically, but the main treatment will already be aimed at eradicating the root cause of the diagnosis of lung pleurisy. Symptoms and treatment are closely related. The patient may require pleural puncture or drainage of the pleural region. This will allow to pump out the collected fluid, rinse the cavity with antibiotic-containing solutions and ensure the outflow of pus. Additionally, immunostimulating drugs, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamins are prescribed. If the patient has a strong dry cough, the chest is bandaged and antitussives are prescribed. In general, doctors give a favorable prognosis for the diagnosis of pleurisy of the lungs. What is this, how to treat - well-known and traditional medicine. Let's see how she can help.
ethnoscience
Herbal treatment is used in home treatment quite often and effectively. Many fees are made taking into account anti-inflammatory, expectorant and immune-enhancing herbs. But it should be borne in mind that pleurisy is a serious and complex disease that cannot be treated exclusively with herbs. Purulent disease can be fatal and should be treated exclusively under the supervision of a specialist. But in combination with pharmaceuticals, home remedies are quite capable of helping to heal lung pleurisy. What is it, how to treat folk remedies? Here are some suggestions.
- Aloe, honey and badger fat have proven themselves very well in the treatment of respiratory organs. Take a glass of honey and badger fat, add 300 g of crushed aloe leaves to them. Mix and send for 15 minutes in the oven. Strain the composition, and take a tablespoon before each meal.
- Radish with honey - this is how our great-grandfathers were treated. Take a large black radish, cut the tail with the “cap”, cut the core from the root crop so that a similar bowl forms. Pour honey into it, close it with a “lid” and let it brew for the night. Take a tablespoon before meals. The same tool helps children with a cold.
- Such a remedy helps well with fibrotic disease. Take 2 cups of white wine, add ½ cup honey and 300 g chopped onions. Mix and insist in a dark place for a week. Take the composition before meals on a tablespoon.
- For escudative pleurisy: prepare a decoction of linden flowers and birch buds. Pour 2 cups of boiling water with 100 g of linden and 75 g of kidneys, boil for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Then strain and add to it 100 g of aloe juice and honey. Warm again, cool and pour in a little vegetable oil. Drink 2 tablespoons before meals.
With pleurisy, decoctions of herbs help well: linden, sushnitsa, coltsfoot, bird highlander, plantain, St. John's wort, licorice root and elecampane, willow bark, fennel fruits. You can brew these gifts of nature and drink instead of tea with the addition of honey.
Complications
What is dangerous pleurisy of the lungs and how to treat it correctly? The main thing is to seek help in a timely manner and strictly follow the recommendations of a specialist. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct and effective treatment, but amateur healing can lead to a number of complications. Among them is the formation of adhesions, as a result - respiratory failure. Untimely treatment can lead to intoxication of the body. Purulent infectious pleurisy is especially dangerous. Purulent formations may require surgical removal. Doctors give a good prognosis with proper and timely treatment. The most difficult cases include oncological manifestations and necrosis of lung tissue.
How not to get sick
According to statistics, every tenth of us annually suffers from a disease such as pleurisy of the lungs. What is this - you now know, it remains only to remember a few simple rules that will help to warn the development of this complication.
- Always seek medical attention in a timely manner if you feel unwell. Ordinary acute respiratory infections can easily be converted to pleurisy.
- Follow the rules of hygiene, adhere to a proper and timely diet. In the cold season, include vitamins in your diet. Strong immunity is the key to health.
- Get rid of bad habits - smoking will never add health to you or your lungs.
- Do not overwork, take the prescribed time for sleep and make a good habit - run in the morning or do gymnastics.
Remember that pleurisy is a consequence of another disease. Never interrupt treatment halfway due to commonplace laziness or lack of time and always try to avoid situations that could trigger an infection. Only a sensitive attitude to yourself and your loved ones will help you maintain health until old age.