8. Pleurisy
Pleura are the membrane surrounding the lungs. When this area becomes inflamed it is called pleurisy or pleuritis, which is another cause of NCCP. The main symptom of pleurisy or pleuritis is sharp chest pain which is worsened when the sufferer breaths in, coughs, sneezes, or moves their chest suddenly. There are a variety of causes of pleurisy or pleuritis including but not limited to viral infections, pulmonary embolism (PE), and pneumonia.
Pleurisy or pleuritis can be diagnosed by a chest x-ray or a CT (computed tomography) scan. In most cases a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is prescribed. The only NSAID that has been studied using a clinical trial to treat pleurisy or pleuritis is indomethacin, which had great effects. Although some believe that narcotic pain relievers can be used for the treatment of pleurisy or pleuritis, we would suggest that this is a last resort and that they should be used with caution.
