<P> When the space between the pleurae starts to fill with fluid, as in pleural effusion, the chest pain can be eased but a shortness of breath can result, since the lungs need room to expand during breathing . Some cases of pleuritic chest pain are idiopathic, which means that the exact cause cannot be determined . </P> <P> A diagnosis of pleurisy or another pleural condition is based on a medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests . The goals are to rule out other sources of the symptoms and to find the cause of the pleurisy so that the underlying disorder can be treated . </P> <P> A doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to the breathing . This method detects any unusual sounds in the lungs . A person with pleurisy may have inflamed layers of the pleurae that make a rough, scratchy sound as they rub against each other during breathing . This is called pleural friction rub . </P> <P> Depending on the results of the physical examination, diagnostic tests are sometimes performed . </P>

Pain in left chest and back when breathing