Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is an inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs.

Pleurisy occurs with many different diseases. It may happen when:

• the pleura is irritated by an infection, such as a cold, flu, pneumonia, or tuberculosis.
• the chest wall is injured.
• part or all of one of the lungs collapses (a pneumothorax).
• there is a blood clot in a lung

The most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu.

People are at greater risk of having pleurisy if they smoke. 

Pleuritic pain is usually:

• caused by painful rubbing of dry pleural tissues
• of sudden onset
• sharp in nature and in a precise location
  
• increased by coughing and deep breathing