Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause chest pain and other symptoms and can vary in severity.

Causes of Pericarditis

  1. Viral Infections: The most common cause in the developed world. Examples include Coxsackievirus, Echovirus, and others.

  2. Bacterial Infections: Less common but more serious, caused by bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (in tuberculous pericarditis).

  3. Other Infections: Fungal or parasitic infections can also cause pericarditis, though these are rare.

  4. Autoimmune Disorders: Such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma.

  5. Heart Attack or Post-heart Attack Syndrome: Inflammation can occur after a heart attack or as part of Dressler's syndrome.

  6. Other Medical Treatments: Including radiation therapy for cancer near the chest area.

  7. Other Health Conditions: Kidney failure, AIDS, cancer, and certain medications can lead to pericarditis.

  8. Trauma: Direct injury to the chest or heart.

  9. Idiopathic: In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown (idiopathic pericarditis).

Symptoms of Pericarditis

  1. Sharp, Stabbing Chest Pain: Typically felt behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest; may worsen when lying down or with deep breathing, and improve when sitting up or leaning forward.

  2. Fever

  3. Shortness of Breath: Especially when reclining.

  4. Heart Palpitations

  5. Fatigue

  6. Cough

  7. Swelling of the Legs or Abdomen

Treatment of Pericarditis

The treatment for pericarditis depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

  1. Medications:
    • Pain Relievers and Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

    • Colchicine: Often used to treat or prevent recurrence.

    • Corticosteroids: Used in more severe cases or when the patient does not respond to other treatments.

  2. Treating Underlying Causes: If pericarditis is due to a specific cause like bacterial infection, appropriate antibiotics or antifungal medications are prescribed.

  3. Hospitalization: In severe cases, especially when there are complications like cardiac tamponade (fluid accumulation compressing the heart), hospitalization may be necessary.

  4. Pericardiocentesis: A procedure to drain excess fluid from the pericardial sac if there's significant fluid accumulation.

  5. Surgery: Rarely, surgical procedures like pericardiectomy (removal of part of the pericardium) may be necessary.

It's important for individuals with pericarditis to receive proper medical evaluation and follow-up care. Regular monitoring and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen are crucial, especially since pericarditis can recur and sometimes leads to complications.