Flank disease, also known as pleuritis or pleurisy, is a condition that affects the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity, known as the pleura. This condition can cause acute chest pain, difficulty breathing, and general malaise, which can significantly interfere with the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Symptoms of flank disease
Symptoms of flank disease can vary in intensity depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Sharp chest pain
The most characteristic symptom of flank disease is sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or sneeze. This pain is usually stabbing and can be located on one side of the chest or spread throughout the thoracic area.
Difficulty breathing
Inflammation of the pleura can make it difficult for the lungs to expand. during breathing, resulting in a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing properly. This respiratory difficulty can worsen with physical activity or in certain positions.
Dry cough or with bloody expectoration
Irritation of the pleura can trigger a dry and persistent cough, which in some cases may be accompanied by bloody expectoration or purulent mucus. Cough can worsen chest pain and affect the quality of sleep.
Fever and general malaise
In more severe cases of flank illness, fever, chills and chills are common. and general malaise, symptoms that indicate the presence of an underlying infection. Persistent fever may require urgent medical attention to avoid complications.
Causes of Flank Disease
Flank disease can have various causes, the most common of which are:
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Respiratory infections
Viral or bacterial infections that affect the respiratory system, such as influenza, pneumonia or tuberculosis, can cause inflammation of the pleura and trigger flank disease. These infections are usually the most common cause of pleuritis.
Chest trauma
Blows, falls or trauma to the chest area can cause damage to the pleura and trigger an inflammatory reaction, giving rise to flank disease. Traffic accidents, falls from a height or direct blows to the chest are common situations that can cause these types of injuries.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis rheumatoid, systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic sclerosis, can trigger inflammatory processes in the body that affect the pleura and cause flank disease. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy tissues.
Neoplasias
The presence of tumors in the thoracic cavity, whether benign or malignant, can compress the pleura and cause inflammation and irritation, leading to flank disease. In cases of lung cancer, mesothelioma or other thoracic neoplasms, pleuritis may be one of the initial symptoms.
Exposure to toxic agents
Inhalation of toxic agents such as asbestos, Cigarette smoke, chemicals or pesticides can irritate the pleura and trigger inflammatory processes that cause flank disease. Continued exposure to these agents may increase the risk of developing this condition.
Diagnosis of flank disease
Diagnosis of flank disease is based on evaluation of symptoms of the patient, as well as performing complementary tests to confirm the presence of inflammation in the pleura and determine the underlying cause. Some of the most common tests used in the diagnosis of flank disease include:
Chest x-ray
A chest x-ray is an imaging test that allows visualization of the lungs and thoracic cavity to identify possible abnormalities such as pleural effusions, pulmonary consolidations or signs of inflammation in the pleura. This test can help confirm the presence of flank disease.
Computed tomography (CT) of the chest
CT is a more detailed imaging technique than x-ray, which provides cross-sectional images of the chest with greater precision. In cases where the x-ray is inconclusive, CT may be useful to detect small lesions in the pleura or identify neoplasms or other underlying problems.
Analysis of pleural fluid
In some cases , a thoracentesis can be performed to remove a sample of pleural fluid and analyze its composition. This analysis can help determine whether inflammation in the pleura is due to an infection, neoplasia, or other cause, and guide appropriate treatment.
Lung function tests
The tests Pulmonary function tests may be useful in evaluating the impact of flank disease on the patient's respiratory capacity. These tests measure the amount of air that can be exhaled, total lung capacity, and other respiratory parameters that may be affected by pleuritis.
Treatment of flank disease
Treatment The type of flank disease will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, the goal is to relieve chest pain, control inflammation, and treat the underlying cause to prevent long-term complications. Some treatment options include:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve chest pain and reduce inflammation in the pleura. These medications are usually the first-line treatment for flank disease of inflammatory origin.
Antibiotics or antivirals
In cases of pleuritis caused by a bacterial or viral infection, they may be prescribed antibiotics or antivirals to combat the responsible pathogen and reduce inflammation in the pleura. It is important to complete treatment with these drugs according to medical indications.
Drainage of pleural fluid
In cases of fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a drainage procedure can be performed to draw out excess fluid and relieve pressure in the lungs and pleura. This procedure is usually performed under ultrasound or radiological control.
Thoracic surgery
In severe cases of flank disease, such as those related to malignant neoplasms or severe complications, it may be necessary to perform thoracic surgery to remove tumors, repair lesions in the pleura, or perform more invasive procedures to control the disease.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
After acute treatment of flank disease, It is important to follow a physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation program to recover respiratory function and strengthen the muscles of the chest and diaphragm. This therapy can help improve quality of life and prevent recurrences.
Conclusions
Flax disease is a condition that can cause severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, and discomfort. general, affecting the quality of life of those who suffer from it. It is important to consult a doctor in the presence of symptoms of pleuritis to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early and appropriate treatment of flank disease can prevent long-term complications and promote patient recovery.