Is pleurisy contagious?

Pleurisy is more of a symptom rather than a disease, it usually is described as a sudden pain when taking a deep breath or coughing. Sometimes associated with a dry cough or fever and shortness of breath. Increasing shortness of breath usually indicates a more serious condition that can be caused by emphysema, diabetes and long term steroid use. The cause of pleurisy itself can be a viral or bacterial infection, as a rule pleurisy is not contagious. Other infections can be very contagious such as tuberculosis. It would be best to visit your physician to diagnose the cause of the pleurisy. The exams consist of chest x-rays, blood tests, ECG and Computed tomography (CT) Scan.