Pleurisy (also known as
pleuritis) is an
inflammation of the
pleura, the lining surrounding the
lungs. There are many possible causes of pleurisy but viral infections spreading from the lungs to
pleural cavity are the most common. The inflamed pleural layers rub against each other every time the lungs expand to breathe in air. This can cause sharp
pain when breathing, also called pleuritic
chest pain.