Which symptom is most typical of pleurisy?

Which symptom is most typical of pleurisy?

• A. Cough
• B. History of respiratory infection
• C. Pleuritic chest pain
• D. Shortness of breath on exertion

Answer: (C)

Pleurisy causes inflammation of the membranes around the lungs, and the hallmark feature is pleuritic chest pain. This pain is sharp and localized to one area and worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing because the inflamed pleural surfaces rub together during respiration. That distinctive, breath-related pain is the most typical symptom of pleurisy. A cough can occur, especially if there’s an underlying infection, but it isn’t specific to pleurisy. A history of a respiratory infection is background information rather than a symptom you’d identify on the chest. Shortness of breath on exertion can happen, but it’s less characteristic than the breath-pain pattern described.

Pleurisy causes inflammation of the membranes around the lungs, and the hallmark feature is pleuritic chest pain. This pain is sharp and localized to one area and worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or sneezing because the inflamed pleural surfaces rub together during respiration. That distinctive, breath-related pain is the most typical symptom of pleurisy.

A cough can occur, especially if there’s an underlying infection, but it isn’t specific to pleurisy. A history of a respiratory infection is background information rather than a symptom you’d identify on the chest. Shortness of breath on exertion can happen, but it’s less characteristic than the breath-pain pattern described.