10 Causes of Rib Pain
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #6: Pleurisy
Pleurisy or pleuritis occurs when there is inflammation of the pleura (membranes lining the chest cavity and surrounding the lungs). It can cause symptoms such as pain during breathing, weight loss, fever, shortness of breath, and cough.
Pleurisy can be caused by pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, lung cancer, autoimmune disorders, heart surgery, pancreatitis, asbestosis, or trauma. In some cases, the cause may be unknown. The symptoms occur due to the rubbing together of the pleurae instead of normal smooth gliding. Treatment usually involves pain medication, incentive spirometry, and rest.
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