Pericarditis – causes, symptoms, treatment

Pericarditis is a serious condition that can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated properly.

In this article, we will discuss what pericardium is, what are the causes of pericarditis, what symptoms may indicate this disease, how it is diagnosed and what treatment methods are used.

What is pericardium?

The pericardium is a thin membrane surrounding the heart. It consists of two layers – the visceral pericardium (inner) and the pleural pericardium (outer). The pericardium serves an important protective function by providing the heart with an adequate amount of serous fluid that facilitates the movement of the heart within the chest. However, in the case of pericarditis, this membrane can become inflamed and cause serious health problems.

Causes of pericarditis

Pericarditis can have a variety of causes, but is most often caused by an infection. The most common microorganism causing this condition is the Coxsackie B virus. Other factors that can contribute to pericarditis include bacteria, fungi, parasites, and trauma to the heart. There are also cases of pericarditis of unknown origin, where the cause is not known.

What are the symptoms of pericarditis?

Symptoms of pericarditis may vary and often depend on the stage of the disease. The most common symptoms are:

• Chest pain that may worsen when you take a deep breath or lie flat.
• Fever.
• Dyspnoea.
• Tiredness.
• Weakness.
• Loss of appetite.

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately as pericarditis can lead to serious complications such as pericardial tamponade or heart failure.

How is pericarditis diagnosed?

Diagnosing pericarditis can be difficult because its symptoms can resemble many other conditions. Your doctor may order a variety of tests, including blood tests, which may show the presence of an infection, and imaging tests, such as echocardiography, which will assess the condition of your pericardium and heart. It is also possible to take a sample of pericardial fluid during a procedure called pericardiocentesis to confirm the presence of infection.

How is pericarditis treated?

Treatment of pericarditis depends on the cause and stage of the disease. In the case of infectious pericarditis, antibiotics or antiviral drugs must be administered to fight the infection. Additionally, your doctor may recommend painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve the symptoms of pain and fever. In cases of serious complications such as pericardial tamponade, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove excess pericardial fluid.

Your suggestions

If you suspect you have pericarditis or are experiencing similar symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve prognosis and avoid complications.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about heart and circulatory health, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “How to take care of your heart – tips and recommendations.”
• “The most common heart diseases and how to avoid them.”
• “The role of a healthy diet in maintaining heart health.”

Remember that prevention and a healthy lifestyle are key to keeping your heart in good condition and preventing cardiovascular diseases.