How to prevent pleurisy?

Pleurisy may be prevented, depending on its cause. In some cases, pleurisy can be prevented by preventing the medical condition that causes it.

For example, some types of pneumonia can be prevented by vaccination. Rheumatic fever can be prevented by prompt antibiotic treatment of strep throat. Preventing pleurisy is often a matter of providing early medical attention to conditions that can cause pleural inflammation. Early treatment of bacterial respiratory infections can prevent pleuritis. Appropriate antibiotic treatment of bacterial respiratory infections may successfully prevent some cases of pleurisy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding exposure to harmful substances (for example, asbestos) are more general preventative measures.