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Pericarditis - Pericarditis symptom, treatment, causes


Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane that forms the outer covering of the heart and lines the cavity that contains it. Pericarditis can result from bacteria, viral or fungal infection that reaches the pericardium in various ways: via the blood-stream, by extension from nearby infection in the chest, or from infection introduced by penetrating injury or surgery. Non-infectious pericarditis may be a complication of HEART ATTACK, RHEUMATIC FEVER, cancer that has spread to the pericardium. systemic LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS or KIDNEY FAILURE.

Pericarditis Symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain that may spread to the neck and shoulders and is aggravated by breathing and movement. If excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac (a condition known as cardiac tamponade), heart function can be severely impaired and HEART FAILURE may result. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms and signs, and the results of electrocardiographs (ECGs),chest X-ray and ultrasound. Pericarditis is treated according to the underlying cause.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, the pericardium. Pericarditis is one cause of fluid accumulation in this potential space cardiac tamponade is the hemodynamic result of fluid accumulation. This condition often causes chest pain and other signs and symptoms. Acute pericarditis is the most common form of pericarditis. Pericarditis may be acute or chronic. The sharp chest pain associated with acute pericarditis occurs when the pericardium rubs against the heart's outer layer. When the pericardium becomes inflamed, the amount of fluid between its two layers increases, compressing the heart and interfering with the heart's ability to function properly. Mild cases may improve on their own. Treatment for more severe cases may include medications and surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

The pericardium is a thin layer of specialized tissue that covers the outer surfaces of the heart. It helps to keep the heart securely in place whilst protecting it from sudden movement, and acting as a barrier to infection or from tumours that may develop in neighbouring tissue. The condition can affect anyone, but is most common in men aged 20-50 years old. Between the inner and outer layers of the pericardium there is a small amount of fluid that lubricates the heart 's movement. If you have pericarditis, the amount of fluid increases and causes your heart to compress. This can prevent your heart from functioning normally and cause quite severe chest pains. Pericarditis accounts for approximately 1 in 1,000 hospital admissions. It is found in about 5% of patients at autopsy. This implies that many cases of pericarditis occur without symptoms severe enough to come to medical attention. The condition  most commonly occurs as a complication of a viral infection  (such as coxsackie or mumps) and usually clears up in a few weeks often the only treatment needed is painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs).

Causes of Pericarditis

The common Causes of Pericarditis :

  • Lupus erythematosus.
  • Trauma to the heart.
  • Tuberculosis.
  • Idiopathic.
  • Side effect of some medications , isoniazid, cyclosporine.
  • Malignancy ( paraneoplastic phenomenon ).
  • Coxsackie viral infection and echovirus.
  • Traumatic puncture from a foreign body residing in reticulum in cattle.

Symptoms of Pericarditis

Some common Symptoms of Pericarditis :

  • Fever.
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath when reclining
  • Dry cough.
  • Ankle, feet and leg swelling (occasionally).
  • Anxiety .
  • Breathing difficulty when lying down.

Treatment of Pericarditis

  • Medication (i.e., analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs).
  • Antibiotics.
  • Steroids.
  • Aspiration (removal) of excess fluid.
  • Surgery.
  • Colchicine.

 

 


Pericarditis - Pericarditis symptom, treatment, causes

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