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Pleural Rubs and Causes

Sep 15, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains pleural rubs, their characteristic sound, and the medical conditions associated with them.

Pleural Rubs: Description and Causes

  • A pleural rub is a coarse, sandpaper-like lung sound.
  • It is usually heard in a specific, localized area of the lungs.
  • The sound results from inflamed pleural surfaces sliding against each other.
  • Common causes include pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or any lung condition causing inflamed pleural tissue.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Pleural Rub — a coarse, grating sound from the lungs due to inflamed pleural surfaces rubbing together.
  • Pulmonary Embolism — blockage of an artery in the lungs, which can inflame the pleura.
  • Pneumonia — infection causing inflammation in the lung tissue and pleura.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review examples of pleural rub sounds.
  • Study related lung conditions causing pleural inflammation.