Pleurisy is inflammation around the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain. It's easy to treat and usually gets better in a few days, but can sometimes be a sign of something more serious, like pneumonia.

The main symptom of pleurisy is sharp chest pain when you breathe in.

The pain may be worse when you cough, sneeze or move around.

It may also spread to your shoulders and back.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

If you have symptoms of pleurisy, a GP will examine you and listen to your chest.

The GP may refer you to a specialist if they're not sure what's causing your symptoms.

You may need to have tests, such as:

• blood tests
• a chest X-ray
• an ultrasound scan
• a CT scan

Pleurisy will usually get better on its own in a few days without treatment from a GP.

If your symptoms are being caused by a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, you may need antibiotics.

You can ease the chest pain by:

• taking painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• resting in different positions until you find a comfortable one – lying on the painful side can help

You may need to have treatment in hospital if your symptoms are severe or being caused by something more serious, such as a pulmonary embolism or tuberculosis.