What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?
When to See a Doctor for Pericarditis?
What Are the Causes of Pericarditis?
What Are the Complications of Pericarditis?
Visit Doctor Arun’s Clinic for Any Symptoms of Pericarditis
Overview of Pericarditis
Pericarditis is a condition that involves inflammation of the pericardium, which is a thin sac-like membrane that surrounds and protects the heart. The inflammation can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it is more prevalent in adults between the ages of 20 and 50. It can be acute or chronic. Acute pericarditis typically lasts for a few weeks, while chronic pericarditis can last for months or even years.
What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?
The symptoms may vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:
- Pain in the chest: This happens to be quite a commonly occurring symptom. The pain may feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull ache. The pain may also radiate to the neck, back, shoulders, or arms.
- Shortness of breath: People with pericarditis may experience difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or during physical activity.
- Fatigue: People with pericarditis may feel tired and weak.
- Fever: Fever of low-grade might be experienced in some of the cases.
When to See a Doctor for Pericarditis?
If you have been experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is good to see a specialist doctor immediately. It can be a serious condition, and prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent complications.
What Are the Causes of Pericarditis?
The exact cause is often unknown, but it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Viral infections: Viral infections, such as the flu, can cause this condition.
- Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, can cause this condition.
- Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, can cause this condition.
- Cancer: Cancer can cause this condition.
- Heart attack: A heart attack can cause this condition.
- Trauma: Trauma to the chest can cause this condition.
What Are the Complications of Pericarditis?
If left untreated, it can lead to complications, such as:
- Pericardial effusion: This occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the pericardium, which can put pressure on the heart and cause it to work harder.
- Cardiac tamponade: This occurs when the excess fluid in the pericardium compresses the heart, leading to a decrease in blood flow and a drop in blood pressure.
- Constrictive pericarditis: This occurs when the pericardium becomes thick and rigid, which can prevent the heart from expanding and filling with blood properly.
How to Prevent Pericarditis?
There is no sure-fire way to prevent this, but some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it, such as:
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections.
- Get vaccinated: Get vaccinated against the flu and other viral infections.
- Treat underlying conditions: Treat any underlying conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, to reduce the risk of developing pericarditis.
How to Diagnose Pericarditis?
To diagnose pericarditis, a doctor will perform a physical exam and order tests, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG can detect any abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm, which can be a sign of pericarditis.
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can show any swelling or fluid build-up in the pericardium.
- Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create an image of the heart, which can help identify any abnormalities in the pericardium.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify any signs of infection or inflammation in the body.
- CT scan or MRI: These imaging tests can provide detailed images of the heart and pericardium, which can help identify any abnormalities.
How to Treat Pericarditis?
Treating pericarditis largely depends upon the underlying cause(s) as well as the severity of the condition. Treatment options can include the following:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Colchicine, a medication used to treat gout, may also be used to reduce inflammation in the pericardium. Sometimes, corticosteroids might also be prescribed by the specialist doctor for the purpose of reducing inflammation.
- Antibiotics: If the cause of pericarditis is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
- Pericardiocentesis: If there is a large amount of fluid in the pericardium, a procedure called pericardiocentesis may be performed. This involves inserting a needle into the pericardium to remove the excess fluid.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the pericardium (pericardiectomy) if the inflammation and fluid build-up persist, or if there is constrictive pericarditis.
Visit Doctor Arun’s Clinic for Any Symptoms of Pericarditis
Visit Doctor Arun for getting the right medical advice for Pericarditis. In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can also help, such as reducing physical activity and avoiding certain foods and drinks that can trigger the symptoms of pericarditis. It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by Doctor Arun and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the condition’s progress.
