Viral pleurisy is a viral infection of the pleura (the thin, transparent, two-layered membrane that covers the lungs), which, typically, causes chest pain on breathing or with coughing.
Viral pleurisy is most commonly caused by coxsackie B virus infection. In some cases, an echovirus causes a rare condition known as epidemic pleurodynia (Bornholm disease). It strikes in late summer during adolescence and early adulthood.
The main symptom of viral pleurisy is chest pain. The pain is generally worse during inspiratory phase or coughing and is often sharp. Epidemic pleurodynia also causes fever and thoracic muscle spasms.
