Pericarditis

A condition in which the pericardium gets inflamed is called Pericarditis.A thin, sac like tissue surrounding the heart and protecting it from infection and sudden movement is called pericardium. It also lubricates the heart and keeps it secured in place. Men in the age group of 20 to 50 years are commonly affected by this condition. The fluid present in between the layers of pericardium provides lubrication to the heart’s movements. Pericarditis causes increase in the fluid amount and the heart is compressed. This prevents normal functioning of the heart and causes severe pain in chest.Pericarditis may be a result of a complication caused by a viral infection. It generally gets cleared in a few weeks. Sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers may be recommended for the treatment. Some of the causes of pericarditis are very serious and not very common. These conditions may need further treatment.

Symptoms

The most common sign for Pericarditis is chest pain. A change in position, taking deep breath or coughing may result in chest pain. The pain is generally experienced in the middle of chest or slightly on the left side. The pain may be stabbing and very sharp or may be steady and constant. The pain may spread to the shoulders and neck.

Some other symptoms of Pericarditis

-difficulty in breathing on lying down
-occasional swelling in the leg, feet and the ankle
-dry cough
-anxiety
-tiredness
-fever

It is important to seek immediate medical help in case a person is experiencing chest pain. The chest pain may be indication of severe conditions like collapsed lungs or a heart attack.

Causes

A complication developed due to viral infection is the main cause of pericarditis.
Some other causes of this condition include the following
-tuberculosis
-fungal infection
-bacterial infection
-a heart attack
-Acquired Immuno deficiency Syndrome
-Human Immunodeficiency Virus
-leukaemia and cancer
-radiotherapy done in the chest area
-kidney failure
-side effect of taking certain drugs like hydralazine
-inflammatory diseases
-a recent surgery done to the heart

Treatment

The treatment for Pericarditis depends on the cause for the condition. Generally anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended to reduce the pain and inflammation. Children below the age of 16 must not be given aspirin. A person suffering from liver or kidney problems or asthma must not take ibuprofen.Steriods are recommended for patients who have severe Pericarditis or the condition is reoccurring. An immunosuppressant or Azathioprine may be prescribed to people who do not respond to treatment with steroids. Sometimes the excess amount of fluid needs to be drained if the heart is seriously affected and the pain is also severe. Surgery is needed in very rare conditions. If Pericarditis is treated immediately, the inflammation and pain settles quickly without development of any complications.

Complications

Sometimes Pericarditis creates complications but it rarely happens. Some of the complications that develop as a result of Pericarditis are

-fluid builds up significantly.
-the pericardium becomes scarred or very thick
– irregular heart beat causing the less effective pumping of the heart.