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 Pericarditis is the inflammation and swelling of the pericardium. The pericardium is a two-layered membranous sac that is filled with fluid. The main role of it is to shield the heart from over-expanding, infections, and to keep it protected in the chest cavity. Viral infections from Coxsackie virus, adenoviruses, echoviruses, HIV can cause viral pericarditis. This form of pericarditis is characterized the most common symptom seen in the disease, which is chest pain. The pain is quite similar to that one experiences during heart attacks, and hence can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a cardiac arrest. Pericarditis virus infections can also be due to the transmission of a contagious infection or disease, or by pathogenic organisms.

The most common symptoms of viral pericarditis are:

• Chest pain that radiates to the back, shoulders, neck, and abdomen. It worsens when laying down or during breathing
• Labored breathing
• Pericardial friction rub
• Fever
• Chills
• Anxiety
• Rapid heart rate
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Low blood pressure
• Sweating

Depending on underlying causes, viral pericarditis may have an acute inflammatory response. It could manifest in the form of production of pus, serous fluid, or fibrinous material. Effusion and accumulation of serous fluid build-up is quite common in this type of pericarditis that resolves spontaneously or with little therapeutic intervention. This may not however be the case if the accumulation occurs on a large scale, in which case there may be a rise in inter-cardial pressure. This situation can sometimes lead to a more serious complication of pericarditis known as cardiac tamponade.

Diagnosis of viral pericarditis will include medical history, physical examination, monitoring ECG changes, chest radiographs, Doppler studies, and other relevant lab tests. Treatment will depend on the progression of the condition, age, and the underlying cause. Viral pericarditis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease inflammation and reduce pain. Progress will be monitored by your doctor by performance of tests. If the condition continues despite the medication, an additional drug known as colchinine is administered to prevent recurrence and to improve outcome.

The prognosis depends on the kind and severity of the viral infection. Usually people diagnosed with viral pericarditis recover completely within a few weeks, but in some cases the symptoms do return at variable intervals, and based on certain conditions. One of the things that a viral infection can do is weaken the immune system, thus making the body prone to other disorders and diseases. The body also uses up its resources to fight bacteria or viruses, weakening other organs in the process as well. There are many things that one can do to boost their immune system which can make the body resistant and assist in fighting existent infections, these are:

• A healthy and balanced diet goes a long way in strengthening your immune system. Avoid eating fatty, greasy, fried, rich, and processed foods. Quit alcohol consumption till you have completely recovered, and even then it is best to avoid it.
• Exercise, practice yoga, or even just brisk walk for 30 minutes every day to keep your mind and body fit.
• Drink sufficient water to flush out toxins from the body and keep it hydrated.
• Herbal therapy is said to boost the immune system. It can be had in the form of teas or supplements. Herbs that help increase immunity are Indian gooseberries, echinaeca, golden seal, licorice root, myrrh, pau d’arco, reishi, and garlic. It is important to consult your physician before taking any herbs as some herbs also contain blood thinning components which may have adverse affects on existing medical conditions.
• Get enough rest. Your body needs time to repair the damage, and wear and tear caused from fighting against infections, and working hard for effective body functioning.
  

Reference

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1129716/?page=2

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

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