What does pleurisy refer to?

Pleurisy refers to the inflammation of the pleural lining, which is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. When this lining becomes inflamed, it can lead to sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or sneezing due to the friction between the inflamed layers. This condition often results from infections, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying medical issues.

Understanding pleurisy in context helps clarify its significance. For instance, while an injury to the lung can lead to complications such as pleurisy, it does not directly define the condition itself. Similarly, fluid accumulation in the lungs—known as pleural effusion—can occur in conjunction with pleurisy but represents a different pathological process. Additionally, while a blocked airway may affect lung function, it does not pertain specifically to the inflammation of the pleura that characterizes pleurisy. Therefore, the inflammation of the pleural lining is the key defining factor of this condition.