Pericarditis is a medical condition that causes inflammation in the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. The inflammation is a result of the pericardium rubbing against the heart.

Pericarditis can be acute, characterized by sudden onset of inflammation, or chronic, which is a long-term condition. It can affect people of all ages, but it’s most common in adults between 20-50 years of age. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at causes, prevention, symptoms, and treatment options for pericarditis.

What Are the Causes of Pericarditis?

Pericarditis can occur for different reasons, including viral infections, bacterial infections, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. The condition can also occur as a result of autoimmunity, injury to the chest, and certain cancers.

Viral infections are the most common cause of pericarditis. The most commonly associated viruses are Coxsackie virus, which is responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease, and the flu virus.

Other viruses that can cause this condition include HIV, adenovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus.

Bacterial infections that can lead to pericarditis include staphylococci, streptococci, and Haemophilus influenzae. Tuberculosis is another cause of pericarditis, especially in countries where the disease is endemic.

Fungal infections such as histoplasmosis and aspergillosis can also lead to pericarditis.

Pericarditis can also result from certain autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. Some cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can also lead to the development of pericarditis.

Chest injuries, cardiac surgery, and myocardial infarction can also cause pericarditis.

What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis?

The symptoms of pericarditis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain that is often sharp and stabbing.

The pain may be sudden and severe, and it may worsen when you breathe deeply or lie down. You may also experience pain in the neck, shoulders, back, or abdomen.

Other symptoms of pericarditis include fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, and rapid heartbeat. Some people may also experience a sensation of pressure in their chest or feel like their heart is racing.

How Is Pericarditis Diagnosed?

To diagnose pericarditis, your doctor will start by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. They may listen to your heart using a stethoscope to check for changes in rhythm or sound.

Tests that your doctor may perform include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or chest x-ray to check for abnormalities in your heart, and CT scans or MRI scans to obtain images of your heart.

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In some cases, your doctor may also perform a pericardiocentesis, which is a procedure that involves removing fluid from the sac surrounding the heart. This is done to check for signs of infection or inflammation.

What Are the Treatment Options for Pericarditis?

The treatment for pericarditis depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if the condition is caused by a viral infection, your doctor may prescribe medications such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or colchicine.

These medications help to reduce inflammation, relieve chest pain, and prevent complications.

If the condition is caused by bacterial or fungal infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications. In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend hospitalization and intravenous medications.

If pericarditis is caused by an autoimmune condition, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or other medications to manage the underlying condition.

In some cases, pericarditis may resolve on its own without treatment.

However, if the condition is severe and does not respond to medications, your doctor may recommend a pericardectomy, which is a procedure that involves surgically removing the pericardium.

How Can Pericarditis Be Prevented?

Preventing pericarditis involves avoiding the underlying causes of the condition.

This may include maintaining good hygiene to prevent viral or bacterial infections, avoiding exposure to people who have infectious diseases, and getting regular vaccinations to help protect against infectious diseases such as the flu and pneumonia.

If you have an autoimmune condition, it’s important to manage your condition carefully and follow your doctor’s recommendations for medications and lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Pericarditis is a condition that can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. It can also occur as a result of autoimmune conditions, injury to the chest, and certain cancers.

The condition is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms of pericarditis include chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and rapid heartbeat. To diagnose the condition, your doctor may perform tests such as blood tests, ECG, echocardiogram, or chest x-ray.

Treatment options for pericarditis include medications such as aspirin, NSAIDs, or colchicine, antibiotics or antifungal medications, corticosteroids, or pericardectomy. Prevention involves maintaining good hygiene, avoiding exposure to infected individuals, and getting regular vaccinations.