Should pleurisy be treated by the respiratory department or the thoracic surgery department?

In general, patients with pleurisy can visit either the respiratory medicine department or the thoracic surgery department, depending on the specific condition. The details are as follows:

1. Respiratory Medicine Department

If pleurisy is caused by infections from pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and the patient experiences respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, chest tightness, or chest pain, they should seek evaluation and treatment at the respiratory medicine department of a hospital for targeted therapy.

2. Thoracic Surgery Department

If the pleurisy results from chest trauma or tumors (either within or outside the chest cavity) that directly invade or metastasize to the pleura, causing symptoms like chest tightness and difficulty breathing, the patient should receive treatment at the thoracic surgery department.

In addition, if pleurisy is secondary to systemic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, the patient may also visit the rheumatology and immunology department. Comprehensive examinations can help identify the underlying cause of pleurisy and guide targeted treatment.