Pericarditis
Pericarditis
is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac
(membrane) that surrounds the heart. There is
a small amount of fluid between the inner and
outer layers of the pericardium. When the pericardium
becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between
its two layers increases, compressing the heart
and interfering with its ability to function properly.
The
following are the most common indicators of pericarditis.
However, individuals may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms may include:
- chest pain that:
- can especially
be felt behind the breastbone, sometimes
felt beneath the clavicle (collarbone),
neck, and left shoulder.
- is a sharp, piercing
pain over the center or left side of the
chest that increases if the person takes
a deep breath.
- a low-grade fever
- pain when swallowing
- arrhythmias (irregular
heart beats)
The
symptoms of pericarditis may resemble other conditions
or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.
Usually,
the cause of pericarditis is unknown, but may
include any/all of the following:
- heart attack
- infection (viral, bacterial,
fungal, parasitic)
- chest trauma or injury
- cancer spreading from
a nearby tumor in the lung, breast, or the blood
- connective tissue disorders
(i.e., lupus erythematosus)
- heart surgery
Specific
treatment will be determined by your physician
based on:
- your age, overall health,
and medical history
- extent of the disease
- cause of the disease
- your tolerance for
specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the
course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
The
goal of treatment for pericarditis is to determine
and eliminate the cause of the disease. Treatment
may include:
- medication (i.e., analgesics
and anti-inflammatory drugs)
- aspiration of excess
fluid
- surgery
Pericarditis
may last from two to six weeks, and there may
be a recurrence of the disorder.
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