Pleural Friction Rub

Original Editor - Chelsea McLene

Top Contributors - Chelsea Mclene, Kim Jackson and Khloud Shreif  

Introduction

A Pleural friction rub or Pleural rub, is an audible raspy breathing sound, a medical sign present in some patients with pleurisy and other conditions affecting the chest cavity. It can be noticed by listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope on the lungs.

These are the squeaking or grating sounds of the pleural linings rubbing together. It is best described as the sound made by treading on fresh snow. Pleural rubs are common in pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and pleurisy. Because these sounds occur whenever the patient's chest wall moves, they appear on inspiration and expiration.

(Click here to read about the anatomy of pleura)

Pleural friction rub occurs when the two layers of tissue become inflamed or if they lose the lubrication between them. A pleural friction rub may be a symptom of a serious lung condition.

Causes

• Pleurisy (pleuritis) : inflammation of the pleura tissues around lungs.
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Serositis : Inflammation of the linings of lungs, heart, and abdominal organs.
• Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis can lead to serositis. Kidney failure, infections, and AIDS are among other potential causes.
• Pleural effusion
• Chest injuries: Broken ribs, Car collisions, assaults, and sports injuries are among potential causes of chest injuries.

Diagnosis

• Blood Test
• X-Ray
• Ultrasound
• CT-Scan
• Thoracentesis

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

• Antibiotics: If the cause is bacterial infection, antibiotics are administered.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control inflammation.
• Chest tube: To drain any fluid buildup.
• Surgery

Further Reading

• Pleurodesis
• Pleurisy
• Pleura
• Lung Sounds