Epistemis

Pleuritic pain

Specialty: Respiratory.

  • pain when breathing
  • rib pain

Why it occurs

  • Viral pleuritis
  • Pneumonia
  • Pulmonary thromboembolism
  • Pneumothorax
  • Pericarditis

Initial workup

ECG, chest X-ray, D-dimer/CT angiography if PE is suspected.

red flags

Pleuritic pain with sudden dyspnea, tachycardia or hypotension → rule out PE/pneumothorax.

Standard management

  • NSAID / analgesia — pain control
  • Treat the cause — ATB, anticoagulation…

Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.

PreviousSore throat
Area
Respiratory
Listed causes
5
Treatment options
2
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