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What is a Pleural Rub?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A pleural rub is a distinctive sound heard during auscultation of the chest. It is caused by friction between the pleural membranes as a result of loss of lubrication and indicates an inflammatory process is occurring inside the patient's chest. The sounds can be indicative of a number of different medical conditions. Interviewing the patient and completing an exam can provide a doctor with more information to use in the development of a diagnosis.

In healthy individuals, a layer of lubrication separates the pleural membranes, allowing them to move freely while the patient breathes. If the layer of lubrication is reduced or disappears because of inflammation, friction builds up and the pleural membranes rub or grate against each other. The sound of a pleural rub can vary, but is often grating and squeaky. It is most noticeable when the patient breathes in or out. When asked to take deep breaths, the patient's pleural rub can be especially noticeable.

Pleural rub sounds may be associated with pneumonia.
Pleural rub sounds may be associated with pneumonia.

Squeaky sounds in the chest can also be associated with a pericardial rub, where the layers of tissue that surround the heart become inflamed and rub against each other. To differentiate between the two noises, a doctor can ask a patient to hold a breath. If the sounds continue, they are being caused by a pericardial rub. If they stop, it means they are caused by inflammation in the pleural membranes.

A pleural rub can sometimes be identified by listening to a patient's chest through a stethoscope.
A pleural rub can sometimes be identified by listening to a patient's chest through a stethoscope.

Pleurisy or pleuritis, where the pleura become inflamed, is a common cause of a pleural rub. These sounds can also be associated with pneumothorax, pneumonia, and other conditions involving the lungs. The physician will also listen for breath sounds, take the patient's temperature, listen to the heart, and perform other evaluations to gather data about the patient's overall condition. Clusters of clinical signs paired with a pleural rub can point to a diagnosis, or a doctor may need to order medical tests and imaging studies.

If the pleura becomes inflamed it may cause a pleural rub.
If the pleura becomes inflamed it may cause a pleural rub.

Conditions involving inflamed pleura can be serious for a patient. Treatment options vary, depending on the cause, but can include anti-inflammatory drugs, medications like antibiotics to kill infectious organisms, and breathing treatments to help patients breathe more freely. It is important to receive treatment for breathing problems. If left untreated, the patient can rapidly deteriorate and be put at risk of serious complications. People with chronic breathing disorders like asthma are especially vulnerable to complications as a result of diseases involving the lungs and bronchial passages.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon264512

I have pleural thickening and my breathing is very labored most of the time. What should I do?

strawCake

@Monika - I hate when doctors throw around medical terms when you're sick. Who would even know what that meant if you weren't in the medical field?

Monika

I had pneumonia a few years ago and I vaguely remember my doctor saying something about a pleural rub. I was too sick to really be paying close attention!

I have asthma so pneumonia was especially serious in my case. I remember taking a ton of antibiotics and having several breathing treatments done. Not a fun experience. I hope never to hear the phrase "pleural rub" spoken in conjunction with my lungs ever again.

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    • Pleural rub sounds may be associated with pneumonia.
      By: tab62
      Pleural rub sounds may be associated with pneumonia.
    • A pleural rub can sometimes be identified by listening to a patient's chest through a stethoscope.
      By: sudok1
      A pleural rub can sometimes be identified by listening to a patient's chest through a stethoscope.
    • If the pleura becomes inflamed it may cause a pleural rub.
      By: snapgalleria
      If the pleura becomes inflamed it may cause a pleural rub.
    • Severe chest pain may be indicative of pleurisy.
      By: milan2099
      Severe chest pain may be indicative of pleurisy.