The outlook. Most healthy individuals recover from pleurodynia without any complications. Typically, the illness lasts several days. In some cases, it may last for several weeks before clearing.

How do you treat pleurodynia?

There is no specific treatment available for pleurodynia. Instead, treatment focuses on supportive care. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil (ibuprofen) can be used to reduce pain. Applying warm packs to the tender regions on the chest and abdomen may also provide some relief.

What causes pleurodynia?

Epidemic pleurodynia is a febrile disorder caused most commonly by a group B coxsackievirus, an enterovirus. Infection causes severe pleuritic chest or abdominal pain. Epidemic pleurodynia may occur at any age but is most common among children.