AboutNeal Okerson Expertise I should be able to answer most questions about anatomy and physiology of heart and lungs. I also enjoy answering questions about understanding diseases. I should also be able to explain the goals and objectives of various pulmonary related treatments. Not an M.D., but worked in the field (Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician) since 1990. Registered Respiratory Therapist since 1995. B.S. degree in Health Education (1987). Currently working (since 1993) as the Director of Clinical Education in an AMA approved Respiratory Care Program in Western KY.
Question I have been asthmatic for years and suffered numerous chest infections, however, earlier this year I had a chest infection that led to pleurisy, (I had an echo for a different problem earlier in the year and they found considerable damage to my left lung) now I have another chest infection that it particularly painful in the left lung and my GP says it's because of the infection site previously.
Q) Will this old infection site heal, am I likely to get this again and why does it affect a new infection so late on?
Many thanks
Answer Christine,
I am somewhat guessing at this, because there are a lot of possibilities.
First let me give you some basic anatomy. Normally there is a thin covering over the outside of your lungs and another one on the inside of your ribcage/chest wall. These two coverings (called pleural linings) rub against each other allowing the lungs to "slide" inside as they expand and contract with each breath. There is a small amount of fluid to help decrease the friction. If you get an infection in this area, it can affect the ability of these two surfaces to slide. It becomes painful to breathe. Any irregularities combined with the act of breathing further irritates the infection site. Since we can't stop breathing, this site can easily become irritated again.
I can't tell you if it will ever heal to the point of not developing future problems. Only you physician can make that call.
