Definition:
Pericarditis pertains to the swelling and/or irritation of the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart called the pericardium.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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