Ailments

Pleurisy

A common complication of all kinds of pneumonia is pleurisy. Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, a serous membrane which envelopes the lungs and also lines the inside of the chest. It can affect just one lung or both.

Bacterial infections that can cause pleurisy

  • Acinetobacter baumannii
  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Legionella bacteria that cause Legionnaires’ disease,
  • Micrococcus luteus
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Staphylococcal bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae

Bacterial pneumonia is a frequent cause of pleurisy, with one of the above bacteria being responsible.

Fungal infections that can cause pleurisy

  • Aspergillus
  • Candida
  • Coccidioides
  • Cryptococcus
  • Histoplasma
  • Pneumocystis

Virus infections that can cause pleurisy

  • Adenovirus
  • Covid 19 virus
  • Coxsackievirus
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Influenza virus (flu)
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Other echoviruses can also cause a related condition known as epidemic pleurodynia or Bornholm disease.

Pleurisy may be acute or chronic and mild or severe. It can attack people of all ages, from children right through to the very elderly.

Diagram of the human respiratory system

The membranes that cover the lung are called pleura.  The outer membrane, known as partial pleura, is applied to the inner wall of the thorax, and the inner membrane, known as the visceral pleura, covers the substance of the lungs. There is a capillary space between the two membranes which is filled with fluid.

This fluid enables the lungs to move freely in the chest. The parietal membrane is reflected from the chest wall to cover the upper surface of the diaphragm, and, in the midline, it covers the mediastinum, the partition which separates the two sides of the chest and contains the heart, great vessels and other structures which run through the thorax.

Symptoms of pleurisy

The onset of pleurisy is generally marked by a sharp and stabbing pain, which may be felt in any part of the chest wall or over the diaphragm. Deep breathing or coughing increases the pain.

In many cases, the disease begins with a chill, followed by congestion of the pleura and later by fever. The degree of the fever determines the severity of the disease.

The inflammation destroys the tissues and chokes the circulation within the tissues. Breathing becomes difficult due to the clogging of the circulation and by pain and swelling within the chest.

Later a liquid effusion escapes from the pleura, filling the open spaces in the chest cavity till the effect of the distension becomes oppressive. After absorption takes place or after the drainage of the effusion, the pressure is lowered, the pain is reduced, and the patient feels relieved.

It is sometimes dry pleurisy, a form where there is little or no effusion or the effusion may be circumscribed. The effusion may become gangrenous, or become mixed with blood, or be of a dirty brown colour with an offensive odour, leading to much suffering.

Common causes of pleurisy

The most common among the immediate causes of pleurisy is that of catching cold followed by congestion and swelling of the pleural membrane. There will be germs of putrefaction later in the ooze of serum from the tissue. The disease may be a complication of pneumonia, or pneumonia may be a complication of pleurisy. In a few cases, the diseases may also occur in rheumatic fever, uraemia and other conditions.

Treatment for pleurisy

At the first sign of pleurisy, the patient should observe a complete fast, abstaining from all liquid and solid foods. Nothing should be taken except plain mineral water, hot or cold, as desired. Water may have a bad taste, but at least three or four glasses should be taken daily for the first few days. The quantity of water should be gradually increased to five or six or more glasses each day.

A hot chest pack should be applied two or three times a day allowing it to remain for an hour or so each time. If the fever becomes high, the packs may be changed to cold ones. If, however, the reaction is not prompt and complete, it would be advisable to use the hot packs.

Heat is always helpful for relieving the sharp pain associated with pleurisy. This should be applied for half an hour twice daily. The patient should practice deep breathing during this period. Adequate rest and an abundance of fresh air are essential.

In cases of dry pleurisy, further relief from pain can be obtained by strapping the chest. Heat is not used when the strapping is employed.

A hot bath with a few drops of eucalyptus oil daily has also been found beneficial in the treatment of pleurisy.

After the acute symptoms have subsided, the patient may adopt a goat’s milk diet. In this regimen, 250ml of goat’s milk should be taken every two hours on the first day, every one and a half hours on the second day, every hour on the third day and every three-quarters of an hour on the fourth day. The quantity of milk should not exceed four litres daily.

The patient may also take one orange or tangerine (which is easier on the stomach) daily along with the milk diet. As soon as the patient has gained slightly in strength, they should undertake moderate exercise as a routine, avoiding fatigue.

Sunshine on the skin and a dry friction bath can be useful. If there is any particular disease, present along with the pleurisy whether as a causative or as a complicating condition, the same should also be given appropriate attention. Chronic pleurisy should be treated in the same manner as to the diet and the application of heat.

All efforts should be made to increase the vitality, reduce toxaemia, and restore normal freedom of chest movements. Several short fasts, at regular intervals, followed by the goat’s milk diet may be necessary depending on the progress for complete recovery.

Vitamin D and pleurisy

Vitamin D acts as a natural antibiotic working against all types of microbes (bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses). It has shown, in scientific studies, to be more affective at preventing influenza than vaccines and anti-viral medications.

Vitamin D levels can easily become deficient, especially during the winter months, as the body only stores it for up to 60 days thus making an individual susceptible to infections from November to April. It is during this period that blood tests should be done, especially if an individual keeps getting infections, colds and influenza, and extra vitamin D rich foods should be consumed.  

Sunscreens, covering up and windows can stop the skin from being able to produce vitamin D. Cholesterol is used by the skin for this process so lowering cholesterol levels may cause further deficiencies. A compromised liver could also be the cause of low vitamin D levels.

It may be necessary to take vitamin D3 supplements. These should be taken with vitamin K2 supplements and a little oil as vitamin D is fat-soluble so needs oil to be absorbed by the body. K2 helps vitamin D to transport calcium to the bones and teeth.

Highest sources of vitamin D per serving listed

  • Krill oil – 1 teaspoon: 1000 IU
  • Eel – 85 g or 3 oz: 792 IU
  • Maitake mushrooms – 70 g: 786 IU
  • Rainbow trout – 85 g or 3 oz: 540 IU
  • Cod liver oil – 1 teaspoon: 440 IU
  • Mackerel – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
  • Salmon – 85 g or 3 oz: 400 IU
  • Halibut – 85 g or 3 oz: 196 IU
  • Tuna – 85 g or 3 oz: 228 IU
  • Sardines – 85 g or 3 oz: 164 IU
  • Chanterelle mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 155 IU
  • Raw milk – 1 glass or 8 oz: 98 IU
  • Egg yolk – 1 large: 41 IU
  • Caviar – 28g or 1 oz: 33 IU
  • Hemp seeds – 100 g or 3.5 oz: 22 IU
  • Portabella mushrooms – 85 g or 3 oz: 6 IU

NOTE: One IU is the biological equivalent of 0.3 μg or 0.3 micrograms.

One high strength red krill oil capsule per day can be the best choice as it contains the highest level of vitamin D plus added benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin which is one of the most powerful antioxidants that can help to reduce toxins in the body when a person is ill. Plus krill are very short lived and reside at the top of the ocean so do not get contaminated by mercury like many other sea creatures now do.

Natural remedies for pleurisy

Apple cider vinegar: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar taken first thing in the morning in warm water with lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey before any food can help to fight infection.

Barley grass juice is highly nutritious and is one of the rare plants to contain vitamin B12 which may be lacking in the diet of a patient with pneumonia and pleurisy.

Beetroots are rich in anthocyanins which have powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They also contain iron which is an essential nutrient. A glass of beetroot juice per day can help speed recovery.

Carrot juice blended with radish juice is an effective aid in cleansing and healing the mucous membrane of the digestive system as well as of the respiratory organs.

Coconut water and pineapple juice can prevent dehydration when a fever is present.

Fermented foods can help restore an imbalanced intestinal flora that can occur when taking antibiotics. The correct balance of gut bacteria is essential when the body is fighting infection.

  • Brine pickles (eggs, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables that have been fermented by lactic acid bacteria)
  • Kefir (fermented milk drink)
  • Kimchi (a fermented, spicy Korean side dish)
  • Kombucha (fermented black or green Asian tea)
  • Miso (a Japanese fermented seasoning made with soya beans, salt and a type of fungus called koji)
  • Sauerkraut (finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria)
  • Tempeh (fermented soya beans)
  • Yoghurt (plain with live cultures)

See also>>

Herb and spice remedies for pleurisy

Herbs and spices have powerful antimicrobial and healing properties. Three cups of herbal tea a day sipped slowly can provide much relief and help fight infections such as pneumonia and pleurisy. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey for additional benefits. Mix and match any of the herbs and spices below. Seeds can be ground using a coffee grinder.

  • Aloe vera juice
  • Basil
  • Burdock root tea
  • Chamomile tea
  • Chilli pepper
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves (three ground)
  • Comfrey
  • Ginger ale
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Echinacea
  • Elecampane
  • Fennel seeds
  • Fenugreek seed (ground)
  • Huang lian
  • Liquorice root tea
  • Mullein oil tea
  • Mustard seeds
  • Noni plant
  • Nasturtium juice (freshly pressed)
  • Nettle tea
  • Nutmeg
  • Oregano
  • Pan pien lien
  • Passionflower
  • Pau d’arco
  • Peppercorns
  • Peppermint tea
  • Periwinkle
  • Pine needle tea
  • Rosehip tea
  • Rosemary
  • Saffron
  • Sea salt (pure unrefined)
  • Slippery elm
  • Thyme
  • Turmeric
  • Yerba santa

Black tea and especially green tea) contain caffeine that helps to dilate the bronchial airways. Three cups should be consumed per day with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey.

NOTE: Avoid coffee as it causes many adverse side-effects and nutrient deficiencies that a person with pneumonia or pleurisy are too weak to withstand. See>> Coffee dangers

A tea made by steeping the following together in hot water for 20 minutes before straining and gently reheating can be used to lower fever and fight infection:

Propolis has powerful antibacterial properties which can aid with recovery from pneumonia and pleurisy.

Raw juice therapy can successfully treat pneumonia and pleurisy. Use a powerful (at least 900 watt) slow juicer for best results and the juice should be consumed immediately after making. Adding a pinch of chilli powder and turmeric can provide additional benefits due to their antimicrobial properties.

The best organic natural foods to juice for pneumonia and pleurisy

Sprouting grains, legumes, nuts and seeds can provide high nutrition without the bulk when a person’s appetite is low as can happen with pneumonia and pleurisy. They are very easy to grow on a sunny windowsill with a rinse of water daily and will be ready to eat within five days which is around when a patient with pneumonia or pleurisy may begin to regain their appetite for food. See>> Sprouting greens

Use the sprouts as a side dish with eggs, fish, rice (brown) or salads or to accompany warm thick soups made from the foods below.

Water: It is important to keep hydrated, especially when a fever is present. The patient should drink at least six glasses of bottled mineral water with freshly squeezed lemon juice per day. This can also help to flush out toxins from the infections.

External natural remedies for pleurisy

To inhale the vapours from the remedies below pour boiling water into a small basin then add the remedies chopped up. Then place a towel over the head and the bowl and breathe in the vapours keeping the eyes closed. This will provide great relief from the chest pain that can accompany pleurisy and pneumonia.

There are various types of poultices that can be used to treat a wide variety of complaints from acne, arthritis and respiratory conditions to bruises and sprains. Some people advocate the use of porridge, carrot, bread, milk, potatoes, clay, cabbage and herbal poultices and many use poultices as a home remedy for their horses’ ailments.

A poultice will also help ease out anything that’s embedded under the skin such as wood or metal splinters and can also bring boils or abscesses to the surface and draw out bee sting poison.

A homemade poultice is made by mashing herbs, plant material or another substance with warm water or natural oils to make a paste. Pure pressed coconut oil is especially good to use. The paste can be applied directly to the skin and covered with a piece of clean cloth.

If the herb used is potent such as onion, garlic, ginger, mustard, etc., it is advisable to place a layer of thin cloth between the skin and the herb. The cloth can then be covered with plastic wrap to hold in the moisture. The poultice should be changed every 3 to 4 hours or more if it dries out. Then the area should be washed with soap and dried thoroughly and left uncovered.

A compress is used the same way, but usually warm liquids are applied to the cloth instead of raw cold substances. Tinctures or herbal infusions are great for compresses. The following can provide relief from congestion and help to break up mucous in the chest.

  • Bay leaf (hot or cold fomentation compress)
  • Comfrey (hot or cold fomentation compress)
  • Eucalyptus (vapours)
  • Garlic (hot or cold fomentation compress)
  • Mint (vapours)

Related subjects

“Nature cures not the physician…” Hippocrates 460 BC

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not intended to diagnose medical problems, prescribe remedies for illness, or treat disease. Its intention is solely educational. If you are in any doubt about your health, please consult your medical or health professional. naturecures.co.uk does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of the information provided here or the outcome of using it.

naturecures.co.uk is not responsible for, and does not endorse, any content or items purchased from any external websites linked to this website.