The disorders of the pleura and mediastinum may have similar or overlapping symptoms, but the symptoms severity may be quite different depending on the particular disorder.
Pleura Disorder Symptoms
Pleural Effusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness and discomfort
- Shortness of breath
Pneumothorax
- Sudden chest pain and tightness
- Shortness of breath
Pleurisy
- Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deep, sneeze, or cough
- Shortness of breath and tightness, usually due to pain
- Cough
- Fever
Many mediastinal masses do not produce symptoms. However, in some cases, they may cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or the symptoms may be related to the underlying cause of the mass, such as cancer.
Mediastinum Disorder Symptoms
Mediastinitis
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- General discomfort
Pneumomediastinum
- Chest pain behind the breast bone, which may spread to the arms or neck