Which term is used for the inflammation of the pleural membranes that surround the lungs?

Which term is used for the inflammation of the pleural membranes that surround the lungs?

• A. Adenoids
• B. Atelectasis
• C. Hemoptysis
• D. Pleuritis

Answer: (D)

The inflammation of the membranes lining the chest cavity and covering the lungs is pleuritis, also known as pleurisy. When the pleura become inflamed, the two surfaces rub together during breathing, producing sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or chest movement. You might also hear a pleural friction rub with a stethoscope. This condition often arises alongside infections, pneumonia, autoimmune diseases, or injury, and the key clue is the pleural lining irritation that makes breathing especially painful. Adenoids are lymphoid tissue in the upper throat, not related to the pleural membranes. Atelectasis refers to collapse of part or all of a lung, not inflammation of the pleura. Hemoptysis means coughing up blood, which can occur with various lung problems but does not describe pleural inflammation.

The inflammation of the membranes lining the chest cavity and covering the lungs is pleuritis, also known as pleurisy. When the pleura become inflamed, the two surfaces rub together during breathing, producing sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or chest movement. You might also hear a pleural friction rub with a stethoscope. This condition often arises alongside infections, pneumonia, autoimmune diseases, or injury, and the key clue is the pleural lining irritation that makes breathing especially painful.

Adenoids are lymphoid tissue in the upper throat, not related to the pleural membranes. Atelectasis refers to collapse of part or all of a lung, not inflammation of the pleura. Hemoptysis means coughing up blood, which can occur with various lung problems but does not describe pleural inflammation.