3.3.1 Pleurisy
The pleura is the double-folded membrane that lines the thoracic cavity，with the parietal pleura being the side closest to the ribs and the visceral pleura being the side closest to the internal organs.Pleurisy，also called pleuritis，is an inflammation of the pleura（Fig.3-3）.This condition often occurs as a complication of other medical conditions，such as pneumonia，autoimmune diseases and a variety of viral and bacterial infections.As a result of injury，infection，or weakness in the pleural membrane，substances may accumulate between the layers of the pleura.When air or gas collects in this space，the condition is termed as pneumothorax（Fig.3-4）.
Fig.3-3 Pleurisy
Fig.3-4 Pneumothorax
Pleuritis causes a severe，sharp，“knifelike”pain in patients’chests during inhalation or exhalation.Pain also occurs during coughing.Other common symptoms of pleurisy include dyspnea（shortness of breath），fever，and chills.If fluid accumulates within the chest cavity，patients may also experience cyanosis（a blue skin color）and suffer from tachypnea（rapid breathing）.The diagnostic process typically begins with listening to the patient’s breathing with a stethoscope.To confirm the condition，the doctor may order medical tests，such as a blood test，an x-ray of the chest，and thoracentesis.(https://www.daowen.com)
Treatment for pleuritis depends on the specific cause of the condition.If a bacterial infection is to blame，antibiotics are likely prescribed.Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics，so in this case，the virus may simply need to run its course.Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen，however，may be recommended to alleviate the symptoms.
（256 words）
Task 3 Define the meaning of each medical term given below.
Continued
