- Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath [3] is another symptom of pleurisy. This symptom is not always caused by pleurisy itself. It is often a result of people’s attempts to cope with the condition. The shortness of breath typically happens because of the pain associated with breathing in people with this condition. Many people minimize breathing deeply or frequently to reduce the pain or discomfort.
Sometimes you may also feel short of breath when you have pleurisy because of the underlying condition causing it. Shortness of breath may also develop as the pleurisy advances [4] into pleural effusion, an accumulation of pleural fluid that puts pressure on the lungs.
- Cough
Cough is sometimes associated with pleurisy. The cough may be due to the inflammation of the lining of the lungs or caused by the underlying infection responsible for the inflammation. A dry cough [5] may be an indicator that you have developed pleural effusion.
Not everyone with pleuritis develops a cough [6]. If a cough is your only symptom of pleurisy, you should see a doctor. It may be caused by other conditions besides pleuritis.