Can pleurisy start with back pain?

Commonly, pleurisy first presents itself with a sharp pain during inhalation or exhalation, states Healthline. However, back pain is a symptom of pleurisy and could be present in patients with the condition.

Pleurisy is a condition in which the tissues surrounding the lungs become inflamed or infected, states Healthline. This condition can be caused by bacterial or viral infections or by trauma to the chest or lungs. A sharp pain during breathing is typically the first sign of pleurisy, but additional symptoms include pressure in the chest, fever, chills, loss of appetite and shoulder pain. The condition can also cause fluid to build up within the pleural space, which could cause shortness of breath.