Pleurisy is a condition in which the thin tissues in the pleura, two large layers of tissues that line your lungs from the chest wall, becomes inflamed.

When you breathe, pleura rub together, but this is not a problem otherwise as there is a bit of fluid within the narrow space in the pleura to keep everything moving smoothly.

However, when the tissues are infected or tender or inflamed, they may cause intense pain or become swell. Especially when you inhale deeply, sneeze, or laugh, or cough, you may feel stabbing sharp pain in the affected area that can worsen during breathing.

Nowadays, most cases of pleurisy are the result of viral infections that probably act threatening to life. Certain health emergencies also give rise to pleurisy, such as: