PLEURISY, Pleural Effusion

Pleurisy, also called pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, which is the moist, double-layered membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the rib cage. The condition can make breathing extremely painful, and sometimes it is associated with another condition called pleural effusion where excess fluid fills the area between the membrane's layers.

Viral infection is probably the most common cause of pleurisy. Other diseases that can cause pleurisy are lung infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, and other diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, liver and kidney disease, heart failure and pulmonary embolism. Other causes include chest injuries and drug reactions.

PLEURISY, Pleural Effusion - Symptoms

- Recent or present respiratory illness with its symptoms
- Cough
- Fever
- Malaise
- Localized chest pain on the chest wall
- Pain with each breath
- Worsened by coughing
- Worsened by deep breathing

Homeopathic Medicine & Treatment for PLEURISY, Pleural Effusion

#Bryonia. [Bry]
This remedy suits most cases of pleurisy, and its symptoms picture this disease more closely than any of our remedies. It should be given after the stage of exudation has arrived and the fever has abated somewhat, though the fever may still be considerable. There are friction sounds present and the great characteristic of sharp,stitching pains, which are worse from the slightest motion; even breathing is painful and the patient lies on the painful side of lessen the motion. "Dry" pleasure during pneumonia or phthisis. It comes in after Aconite. Aconite. This remedy for the chills, high fever, sharply defined chill; but it is only useful in the first stage before the exudation has taken place; there may be sharp stitches in the chest from the intense congestion, but these,if marked, usually indicate Bryonia. An additional indication for Aconite would be in case the attack arose from a chill following a checked perspiration. The good effects of the remedy are usually manifested promptly. Ranunculus bulbosus. Sharp, stitching pains in the chest,worse on the right side. It is often found useful to absorb the effusion. Stannum. Knife-like pains in the left axilla. Asclepias. Also a pleuritic remedy; there is a dry, hacking cough, scanty expectoration, pains relieved by bending forward; the suffering is intense. Hale says: " It seems to be a lesser Bryonia and is probably not adapted to serve cases."

#Apis [Apis]
Pleurisy with exudation, hydrothorax ; a useful remedy in the stage of effusion after the fever has abated and the pains have disappeared. Sulphur suits all forms of exudation; there ia a sharp, stitching pain through the left lung to the back, worse lying on back and from least motion. It follows Aconite and Bryonia well. It is one of our most valuable absorbents. Hepar. Purulent exudation ; also an excellent remedy in pleurisy complicated with bronchitis. It will hardly ever fail in plastic pleurisy when its specific indications are present. It will often clear up cases of purulent pleurisy which tend to induce consumption.

#Belladonna. [Bell]
Pleurisy in children, of the congestive type, often ushered in by convulsions instead of fever. Arnica. Pleuritis from external injury calls for Arnica . It is useful in traumatic and haemorrhagic cases.

#Cantharis. [Canth]
A valuable remedy in profuse sero-fibrinous exudations, is indicated by dyspnoea, palpitation, profuse sweats, weakness, tendency to syncope with scanty and albuminous urine. Dr.Jousset accounts Cantharis a leading drug in pleurisy with effusion. It has caused this condition in animals.

#Arsenicum. [Ars]
Serous pleurisy; it oftentimes promptly relieves the painful asthmatic respiration and favors absorption. It usually is a quick acting remedy. Arsenicum iodatum is suitable to tuberculous cases and also Iodoform.