Pleurisy Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Pleurisy is a condition that affects the lining around your lungs. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, it’s commonly seen in people who have had recent respiratory infections, especially during our long, cold winters when flu, pneumonia, and other lung infections are more common.

This guide explains what pleurisy is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options, and where to seek care in the Grand Rapids area.

What Is Pleurisy?

Each lung is covered by a thin, smooth membrane called the visceral pleura. The inside of your chest wall is lined by a similar membrane called the parietal pleura. Between these two layers is a very thin film of fluid that allows them to glide smoothly over each other as you breathe.

Pleurisy (also called pleuritis) occurs when these pleural membranes become inflamed. When inflamed, they can rub against each other instead of sliding smoothly, causing sharp chest pain, especially when you take a deep breath, cough, or move.

In Grand Rapids, pleurisy is often linked to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, which are more frequent in the fall and winter months.

Symptoms of Pleurisy

Pleurisy symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Sharp or stabbing chest pain, often:
    • Worse when taking a deep breath in
    • Worse when coughing, sneezing, or moving
    • Sometimes felt in the muscles of the chest, shoulder, or back
  • Pain that improves when holding your breath or sitting still
  • Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t take a full breath
  • Persistent cough
  • Fever or chills, especially if caused by an infection
  • General feeling of being unwell or fatigued

If you experience sudden severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or blue lips or fingertips, seek emergency care immediately at a Grand Rapids emergency department such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

What Is Pleural Effusion?

Sometimes, inflammation of the pleura leads to a build-up of fluid between the two membranes. This is known as a pleural effusion.

How Pleural Effusion Affects Your Lungs

  • The extra fluid can reduce the friction between the pleural layers, which may lessen the sharp pain of pleurisy.
  • However, too much fluid can compress the lungs, making it harder to breathe.

Symptoms of a significant pleural effusion may include:

  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
  • Chest tightness or discomfort
  • Reduced ability to exercise or walk without getting winded
  • Cyanosis (a bluish color of the lips, mouth, or fingertips) due to lack of oxygen in severe cases

In Grand Rapids, pleural effusions are often evaluated with imaging at local hospitals and imaging centers, including those affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health.

Causes of Pleurisy

Pleurisy has many possible causes. In West Michigan, infections are a common trigger, but other conditions can also be involved.

Common Causes

  • Viral infections
    • Such as those that cause colds or the flu
  • Bacterial infections
    • Especially pneumonia, a lung infection that is common in Michigan’s cold-weather months
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Pulmonary embolus
    • A blood clot in the lungs

Other Possible Causes

  • Cancer
    • Lung cancer, metastatic cancers, or cancers involving the pleura
  • Connective tissue disorders
    • Such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Trauma to the chest wall
    • From accidents, falls, or rib fractures
  • Heart disease
    • Certain types of heart failure can contribute to pleural effusions
  • Protein deficiencies or severe malnutrition

Your risk of pleurisy is higher if you have recently had a respiratory tract infection, such as bronchitis, influenza, or pneumonia—conditions that are frequently seen in Grand Rapids clinics during fall and winter.

Other Causes of Pleural Effusion

While pleurisy often leads to a pleural effusion, fluid around the lungs can also occur without obvious pleuritic pain. Other causes of pleural effusion include:

  • Cancer
  • Heart failure and some other heart diseases
  • Severe protein deficiency or malnutrition
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Autoimmune diseases

In all cases, the fluid build-up can affect how well your lungs expand and how easily you can breathe.

How Pleurisy Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If you have chest pain or breathing problems, a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Common tests include:

Physical Examination

  • Listening to your chest with a stethoscope
    • Your provider may hear a “pleural rub”—a scratchy or grating sound as the inflamed pleura rub against each other.
    • Other abnormal breath sounds may include rattling or crackling.

Imaging and Tests

  • Chest X-ray
    • Helps identify pneumonia, pleural effusion, or other lung problems.
  • Ultrasound of the chest
    • Useful for detecting and guiding treatment of pleural effusions.
  • CT scan of the chest
    • Provides more detailed images of the lungs and pleura.
  • Blood tests
    • Help determine whether the cause is likely viral, bacterial, or related to another condition (such as autoimmune disease).
  • Thoracentesis (thoracocentesis)
    • A procedure where a doctor removes a small sample of pleural fluid with a needle for testing.
    • Helps determine the cause of the effusion (infection, cancer, heart failure, etc.).
  • Bronchoscopy
    • A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed into the airways to examine the lungs and collect samples if needed.

These tests are available through major Grand Rapids healthcare systems, including Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – U of M Health, and Mercy Health.

Treatment for Pleurisy in Grand Rapids

Treatment focuses on relieving pain, treating the underlying cause, and managing any pleural effusion.

Treating the Underlying Cause

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

  • Antibiotics
    • For bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bacterial pleurisy.
  • Antiviral or supportive care
    • For viral infections (often managed with rest, fluids, and symptom relief).
  • Medications for tuberculosis
    • If TB is identified as the cause.
  • Medications for autoimmune diseases
    • Such as steroids or other immune-modulating drugs for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
  • Cancer treatment
    • Chemotherapy, radiation, or other therapies if cancer is the underlying cause.
  • Blood thinners
    • If a pulmonary embolus (blood clot in the lungs) is diagnosed.

Managing Pain and Inflammation

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
    • Such as ibuprofen (if appropriate for you), to reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Other pain medications
    • As needed, prescribed by your doctor to help you breathe deeply and cough effectively.

Treating Pleural Effusion

If there is a significant pleural effusion, treatment may include:

  • Draining excess fluid
    • Through procedures such as thoracentesis.
  • Medications to prevent fluid from building up again
    • Depending on the cause (for example, diuretics for heart failure, or targeted cancer treatment).

These procedures are commonly performed in hospital settings in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and other regional facilities.

Preventing Pleurisy in Grand Rapids, MI

You can’t always prevent pleurisy, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk—especially important during Michigan’s cold and flu season.

Vaccinations

  • Pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine
    • Recommended for:
      • Young children
      • Adults 65 and older
      • People with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease)
      • People with weakened immune systems
  • Influenza (flu) vaccine
    • Recommended annually, especially important in West Michigan’s fall and winter seasons.
  • COVID-19 vaccination and boosters
    • As recommended by current guidelines.

Vaccinations are available through:

  • Primary care offices (family doctors, internists)
  • Hospital-affiliated clinics (Corewell, Trinity, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
  • Many local pharmacies throughout the metro area

Early Treatment of Respiratory Infections

Promptly treating respiratory infections can reduce the risk of developing pneumonia and pleurisy:

  • See your doctor or visit an urgent care if you have:
    • Persistent cough
    • High fever
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest discomfort
  • Follow prescribed treatment and complete any antibiotic course as directed.

Healthy Lung Habits for West Michigan Residents

  • Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
  • Manage chronic health conditions like asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes with regular follow-up.
  • Dress appropriately for cold weather to reduce the risk of respiratory infections during Grand Rapids’ winter months.
  • Maintain good hand hygiene and avoid close contact with people who are sick during peak respiratory virus seasons.

When to Seek Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids if you experience:

  • Sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
  • Ongoing cough, fever, or shortness of breath
  • Recent respiratory infection followed by new or worsening chest pain

Seek emergency care (call 911) or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Sudden or severe chest pain
  • Trouble breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air
  • Blue lips, face, or fingertips
  • Confusion, extreme fatigue, or fainting

Local Resources for Pleurisy and Lung Health in Grand Rapids

If you’re in the Grand Rapids, MI area, you can get help from:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • Pulmonology (lung) specialists at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) in Grand Rapids
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department
    • Offers immunizations, TB testing, and public health resources.
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
    • Provide low-cost or sliding-scale care for eligible patients.
  • Lung health organizations
    • Such as the American Lung Association, which offer education and support resources.

Key Points About Pleurisy

  • Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the lining around the lungs.
  • It is commonly caused by infections of the respiratory tract, including pneumonia.
  • Sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing is a classic symptom.
  • Inflammation can cause a build-up of fluid (pleural effusion), which may reduce pain but can make breathing more difficult.
  • Your risk of pleurisy is higher if you’ve recently had a respiratory infection, which is common in Grand Rapids during the fall and winter.
  • Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, using anti-inflammatory and pain medications, and draining fluid if needed.
  • Vaccination and prompt treatment of respiratory infections can help prevent pleurisy.

If you live in Grand Rapids and think you may have pleurisy or another lung condition, contact a local healthcare provider or one of the major health systems for evaluation and care.