Pericarditis
Pericarditis Causes
It is often hard to determine the cause of pericarditis, The friction between the inflamed sac and the outer layer of the heart causes the chest pains. Other causes include: systemic inflammatory disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, trauma including injuries to the heart or chest, other health disorders like kidney failure or cancer, or certain medications.
Pericarditis Definition
Pericarditis pertains to the swelling and/or irritation of the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart called the pericardium.
Pericarditis Diagnosis
Doctors will listen for sounds characteristic to pericarditis described as a pericardial rub. The following are diagnostic tests to see if there are any abnormalities around the heart including the pericardium and its fluids: electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Pericarditis Symptoms and Signs
Sharp, stabbing pain in the left side of the chest. Patients suffering from this disease may also experience their chest pain as a dull or pressure-like pain of varying intensity. Other symptoms include: shortness of breath, fever, weakness or fatigue, dry cough and abdominal or leg swelling.
Pericarditis Treatment
Treatment depends on severity of the disease. Mild cases of Pericarditis may improve on its own. The following treatments may be advised: bed rest and anti-inflammatory medication relating to pericarditis may be prescribed; in severe cases, surgery may be required.