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I seem to get pleurasy often; maybe 3 times a year. Never with fever, just pain breathing, sometimes worse than others. Often pain in the back of my neck when I bend over or strain. Is this dangerous and/or can I prevent it somehow?

By Anonymous August 12, 2010 - 9:47pm
 
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I do have asthma, adrenal fatigue and recently discovered I am gluten intolerant via a saliva text. Is any of this related?

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Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Anon - Thanks for your question, and welcome to EmpowHER. Yes, you should be concerned about your pleurisy. If you are not already doing so, I would suggest getting a referral to a specialist as pleurisy can lead to serious complications.

Are your conditions related? Yes. You're no doubt aware that pleurisy is caused by inflammation of the linings around the lungs. Asthma is also an inflammatory disorder of the airways, affecting the lungs. Adrenal fatigue often follows acute respiratory infections. Gluten intolerance is due to Celiac disease and not following a gluten-free diet is likely to result in more inflammation in your body.

It would be helpful to figure out the sources of the inflammation. Seeing an allergist and having tests to pinpoint possible allergies so that you can avoid allergens could help. You may also have seasonal allergic reactions since you mention that you get pleurisy about three times a year. It is, of course, important to know the sources of your asthma and to be on an asthma management program. And since you now know you are gluten-intolerant, it's important to change your diet and adopt a lifestyle that will help you in managing this condition.

There is a lot of information on our site about all of these conditions (just click on the blue highlighted areas) and on anti-inflammatory diets. It would help to learn as much as you can about self-care and to also work with your primary care physician and get referrals to specialists to assist you in identifying the triggers that lead to your health conditions and to obtain the tools and treatments to control them. These tools, for many, include making changes in their home environment to remove triggers such as pet dander, items with fragrance and more.

Has the information been helpful? We wish you the very best and hope you will get the expert care you need and be feeling better soon.

Take care,
Pat

August 13, 2010 - 9:16am
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