Pleural thickening

Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening (pronounced: ploor-al thick-ning) is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the pleura, the thin tissue layer that covers the lungs. This condition is often associated with long-term inflammation or exposure to asbestos.

Etymology

The term "pleural thickening" is derived from the word "pleura", which comes from the Greek word "pleura", meaning "side" or "rib", and the English word "thickening", which refers to the process of becoming or making something thicker.

Causes

Pleural thickening is often caused by inflammation of the pleura due to conditions such as pleurisy or pneumonia. It can also be caused by exposure to asbestos, leading to a specific type of pleural thickening known as asbestos-related pleural disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pleural thickening may include shortness of breath, chest pain, and persistent cough. However, some individuals with pleural thickening may not experience any symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pleural thickening typically involves imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. These tests can help to visualize the thickness of the pleura and identify any associated abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for pleural thickening primarily focuses on managing symptoms and treating the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve medications to manage pain and inflammation, as well as interventions to treat conditions such as asbestos-related disease or pneumonia.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Pleural thickening
Wikipedia's article - Pleural thickening

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Pleural thickening