Pleurisy: Tests
Inflammation of the pleura. It is usually caused by infections. Chest pain while breathing or coughing is the presenting symptom.
Part of: Pleurisy
Diagnosis of Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders
Your doctor will diagnose pleurisy or another pleural disorder based on your medical history, a physical exam, and test results.
Your doctor will want to rule out other causes of your symptoms. He or she also will want to find the underlying cause of the pleurisy or other pleural disorder so it can be treated.
Medical History
Your doctor may ask detailed questions about your medical history. He or she likely will ask you to describe any pain, especially:
What it feels like Where it’s located and whether you can feel it in your arms, jaw, or shoulders When it started and whether it goes away and then comes back What makes it better or worseYour doctor also may ask whether you have other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing, or palpitations. Palpitations are feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or fast.
Your doctor also may ask whether you’ve… Read more about Pleurisy: Tests