Pericarditis is medical condition in which the pericardium, or the lining around the heart, gets damaged or inflamed. It is the pericardium that protects the heart and allows it to work properly in the human body. The pericardium is made of two layers that contain some fluid between them. This fluid prevents the two layers from rubbing against each other and causing inflammation. Pericarditis requires immediate medical attention and may require long-term treatment as well. With proper care and treatment, patients can completely recover from the condition.
The causes for most cases of pericarditis are unknown. However, medical scientists believe that viral infections are associated with most cases of this condition. In most cases, pericarditis is observed after an upper respiratory infection. Bacterial and fungal infections may also be associated with this medical condition. Autoimmune disorders may also cause inflammation of the pericardium. As the body’s immune system attacks the heart cells, it is the pericardium that takes the most severe hit. Some of the other possible causes of this condition include heart surgeries, renal failure, tuberculosis, cancer, radiation therapy, physical injuries to the chest, HIV/AIDS, and certain medications.
The initial and most common symptom of pericarditis is a sharp and stabbing pain in the chest. This is an acute symptom where the pain comes on quickly and suddenly. While some patients experience this pain in their chest, others feel it in one or both of their shoulders. The pain is usually worst while lying down or taking deep breaths and tends to ease up when leaning forward or sitting straight. Often, people mistake this pain to be a heart attack. Some of the other commonly experienced symptoms include palpitations, coughing, trouble breathing, and general weakness and malaise. When chronic pericarditis becomes severe, it can cause swelling in the stomach as well as legs. It can also cause low blood pressure.
The diagnosis of pericarditis is made clinically, and the doctor will put you through several different tests including an X-ray, blood tests, echocardiogram, and ECG, after first giving you a thorough physical examination. Pericarditis is usually very mild, and therefore, in most cases, treatment is not required. Other mild cases may be completely cured with simple treatment. However, to prevent complications it may be necessary to give more intense treatment in some cases. Most doctors prescribe medicines, and in rare cases, surgery may be required. Treatment is usually aimed at treating the underlying cause and reducing the symptoms of pain and inflammation.
Doctors recommend seeking immediate medical attention for those who are diagnosed with pericarditis. There are no home remedies for this condition, but home care along with medical treatments can be of great help. Get adequate rest till pain and fever subsides. If you continue to experience pain and swelling, the doctor may prescribe some over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications to treat the condition.
If the pain does not subside even with the help of these medicines, the doctor will probably prescribe a strength pain medication or a steroid-based medicine. Most patients will be made to stay in the hospital for a few days so that the doctors can monitor their condition and check for complications. However, patients need to keep an eye out for any new or worsening symptoms when they have been discharged and sent home.
Herbs such as hawthorn and garlic are great for supporting the good health of your heart. Other herbs such as goldenseal, echinacea and andographis can be consumed for improving your immune system and reducing inflammation naturally.
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