It triggers when a viral infection affects the lining of the lungs or muscles near them in the chest.
Infections typically last four to six days and are most common in people under the age of 30.
This article explains pleurodynia, its symptoms, and its relationship to certain enteroviruses.
Istockphoto.com / Stock Photo / KittisakJirasittichai
It presents information on pleurodynia diagnosis, treatment, and complications that may occur.
What Is Pleurodynia?
On occasion, the pain will extend to the neck or arms.
Pleurodynia often comes on suddenly in people who were previously healthy.
The pain is then followed by a period of relief before it recurs.
Fever may also be intermittent, but it doesn’t come and go as quickly as muscle pain.
Many adults with the infection are concerned that they are having a heart attack.
Pleurodynia Causes
Pleurodynia is a viral infection sparked by several viruses known asenteroviruses.
These viruses include:
The majority of people with pleurodynia are infected with Coxsackie B.
The disease usually occurs in epidemics, though isolated cases (sporadic cases) may occur.
It affects both children and adults.
Pleurodynia is contagious, in the sense that the underlying causes of the infection are highly transmissible viruses.
Imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray, are also usually normal.
Adults may double over clutching their chest, and the symptoms can mimic a heart attack.
Pleurodynia Treatment
There is no specific treatment available for pleurodynia.
Applying warm packs to the tender regions on the chest and abdomen may also provide some relief.
Hospitalization and treatment with immunoglobulin may be recommended.
Orchitis can cause severe tenderness of the scrotum.
Harvard Health Publishing.Epidemic pleurodynia.
McGraw Hill Professional; 2015.
Newborn (Clarksville).
2022 Jul-Sep;1(3):297-305. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0036.
MSD Manual Professional Edition.Epidemic pleurodynia - infectious diseases.
