If you have been diagnosed with pleurisy, you may wish to ask your physician the following four questions:
1. What medical treatment will I be prescribed for my pleurisy?
The treatment involves any or a combination of the following procedures, depending upon the underlying cause of the pleurisy and the condition of the pleura:
• Extraction of the air or fluid in the pleural cavity using thoracentesis procedure
• Treatment of the viral or bacterial condition that has caused pleurisy – antibiotics, medication to ease breathing and NSAIDS, etc.
• Treatment of the cancer that may have given rise to pleurisy – nuclear medication and chemotherapy
• Treatment of the injury or surgery that may have resulted in pleurisy
• Fibrinolytics may be used to break thick fluid clots to help them drain easily
• Symptomatic treatment such as cough syrups, paracetamol and corticosteroids may also be given
• Alternative therapies are also available to tackle pleurisy
2. What are the prevention tips for pleurisy?
Since a majority of the times pleurisy is caused by some infection, prevention is dependent on preventing yourself from getting those infections. However, early diagnosis helps better treatment and easier management.
3. What is the prognosis for pleurisy patients?
A full and timely recovery is possible if the underlying condition that caused the pleurisy is detected early. Viral infections causing pleurisy can be treated in a week or two’s time and bacterial infections giving rise to pleurisy can take up to six weeks to clear. Other serious conditions may cause pleurisy to stay and the underlying condition may be fatal.
4. Are there any alternative therapies available for managing pleurisy?
Conventional science is still testing the efficacy of alternative treatments though its protagonists swear by them. They can usually be used in conjunction with mainline treatment after consultation with the doctor:
• Acupuncture and botanical medicines are alternative approaches for alleviating pleural pain and breathing problems. A list of herbs that are used to alleviate symptoms of pleurisy are:
• Wilbrandia ebracteata, Petiveria alliacea, Solidago chilensis – anti-inflammatory properties
• Pleurisy root or Asclepias tuberose – pain, inflammation and breathing difficulties
• Verbascum thapsus for its expectorant qualities
• Echinacea is also included in herbal pleurisy remedies
• Traditional Chinese medicine uses the herb ephedra (Ephedra sinica), which acts to open air passages and alleviate respiratory difficulties in pleurisy patients.
• Nutrition rich in omega–3 fatty acids (a natural anti-inflammatory) and large doses of vitamin C, may also provide health benefits to people with pleurisy
• Contrast hydrotherapy applied to the chest and back, along with crushed herbs applied directly to the skin can assist in the healing process
• Homeopathy is also an effective alternative
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com