Pneumonia with Pleurisy

What is it?

Inflammation of the membranes that surround the lung (pleura).

Symptoms:

• Chills

• Fever 

• A cough that may produce bloody or foul-smelling sputum

• Chest pain when taking a breath or coughing

Unlike a true heart attack, pleurisy pain is usually relieved temporarily by holding your breath or putting pressure on the painful area of your chest.

If you've recently been diagnosed with pneumonia and then start having symptoms of pleurisy, contact your health care provider or seek immediate medical attention to determine the cause of your chest pain. Pleurisy alone isn't a medical emergency, but you shouldn't try to make the diagnosis yourself.