10 Treatments for Pleurisy

4. Deep Breaths

It may seem counterintuitive, but taking deep breaths and coughing can help patients with pleurisy. Patients who do not do these things may even develop a more serious condition, like pneumonia. Coughing and breathing deeply allow patients to clear mucus from their throats. Of course, these actions can be painful due to the inflammation of the membrane. Relieving pain and inflammation using over-the-counter NSAIDs or other prescription medications can make employing this technique easier. If you are still having trouble breathing without pain after several days, you should see your physician.