BABY AND CHILDHOOD RESPIRATORY DISORDERS: PLEURISY
Pleurisy is the condition when the pleura (the thin outer membrane that encases the lungs as they sit in the thoracic cage) is inflamed. It is often associated with a respiratory infection, maybe with a sudden onset. It may be accompanied with a cough; and with each cough, there is often a very sharp stabbing pain in the chest. Pains may also occur in the shoulders and in the abdomen, depending on the part of the pleura affected. Often breathing movements are reduced, for it may be painful to breathe in and out with any depth. There may be an elevated temperature.
In years past, this was common with tuberculosis, and fluid or pus would frequently collect between the lungs and the lung cage.
This was called effusion and empyema. This is seldom seen today, particularly as tuberculosis is far less common.
Medical attention as early as practical is recommended with symptoms of this nature. Antibiotics are usually extremely quick and effective in killing the germs. A large range of organisms may be responsible, but many are amenable to treatment, and often a rapid cure is readily forthcoming.
Plenty of fluids, bed rest for a few days, linctuses for coughs, analgesics and antipyretics for pain relief, and to reduce elevated temperatures, may be given as necessary. Paracetamol elixir for children under the age of six years is effective in the latter case, or paracetamol or aspirin tablets for those in the 6-12 age group. Dosage varies with age—check the label, which usually lists the dose for each age. Check the details given earlier for the common cold, for the advice is similar.
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