Which symptom is a hallmark of pleurisy?

Which symptom is a hallmark of pleurisy?

• A. Pleuritic chest pain
• B. Painless JVD
• C. Worsening with rest
• D. Urinary frequency

Answer: (A)

Pleurisy causes sharp, stabbing chest pain that is worsened by breathing in or coughing—the classic pleuritic chest pain. This happens because inflamed pleural surfaces rub together during inspiration, so taking a deep breath intensifies the distress, often with relief when breaths are shallow. A friction rub may be heard on chest auscultation, and the pain is typically localized to a spot on the chest rather than a diffuse or exertion-related discomfort. The other symptoms don’t fit pleurisy: painless JVD points to venous obstruction, chest pain that worsens with rest suggests a cardiac pattern, and urinary frequency is unrelated to lung pleura inflammation.

Pleurisy causes sharp, stabbing chest pain that is worsened by breathing in or coughing—the classic pleuritic chest pain. This happens because inflamed pleural surfaces rub together during inspiration, so taking a deep breath intensifies the distress, often with relief when breaths are shallow. A friction rub may be heard on chest auscultation, and the pain is typically localized to a spot on the chest rather than a diffuse or exertion-related discomfort. The other symptoms don’t fit pleurisy: painless JVD points to venous obstruction, chest pain that worsens with rest suggests a cardiac pattern, and urinary frequency is unrelated to lung pleura inflammation.