What condition is characterized by inflammation of the pleural lining of the lung?

Pleurisy is characterized by inflammation of the pleural lining of the lungs. This inflammation can lead to sharp chest pain, especially during breathing or coughing, and may be associated with other symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. The pleura are two thin layers of tissue that separate the lungs from the chest wall, and when they become inflamed, it can significantly affect respiratory function.

While related terms may come to mind, such as pleuritis—which is essentially another term for the same condition—pleurisy is more commonly used in medical contexts. Pneumonia refers to an infection of the lung tissue rather than inflammation of the pleura, and pleural effusion describes the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can occur as a consequence of pleurisy but is not the same condition. Therefore, recognizing pleurisy as the condition specifically defined by inflammation of the pleura is key in understanding respiratory pathologies.