The condition described as jiman in Donguibogam closely corresponds to pleurisy in modern medicine. The pleura consists of two thin membranes surrounding the lungs, lubricated by a small amount of synovial fluid that permits smooth expansion and contraction during respiration. Problems arise when these layers become inflamed.
The most frequent cause of pleurisy is a viral infection. Common viruses responsible for colds or influenza can reach the pleura and trigger inflammation. Bacterial infections, including pneumonia or tuberculosis, can also lead to pleurisy, as can autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary embolism, chest trauma, and adverse drug reactions. Inflammation roughens the normally smooth pleural surfaces, causing them to rub against one another with every breath. This friction produces the hallmark symptom of pleurisy: a sharp, knife-like, tearing flank pain. This discomfort typically sharpens during coughing, sneezing, deep inhalation, or positional shifts.
Alongside localized pain, systemic signs like fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain may appear, with severe instances progressing to dyspnea. Advanced inflammation can cause excessive fluid accumulation known as pleural effusion, which compresses lung tissue and further impedes breathing. Because pleurisy often points to an underlying disease, precise diagnosis is critical. Physicians evaluate the pleura using chest x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasonography, check inflammatory markers through blood tests, and may perform thoracentesis to sample pleural fluid for detailed analysis. These steps help pinpoint the exact cause and guide appropriate care. If persistent cold symptoms accompany severe flank pain, consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
