Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane covering the heart.

Pericarditis, what is it?

Definition of pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, membrane covering the heart. This inflammation is accompanied by swelling at the level of this membrane, in particular due to an excess of fluid circulating between the pericardium and the heart.

The main symptoms of pericarditis are pain in the chest. These pains can occur suddenly, sharply and severely. The pain is usually more severe at night when lying down and less so when sitting.

This inflammation of the pericardium is, in the majority of cases, not serious if it is taken care of and a suitable and early treatment.

There are different types of pericarditis :

• acute pericarditis : characterized by intense symptoms but not lasting more than three months. The symptoms generally subside after a week, as part of an appropriate medication follow-up;
• chronic pericarditis : which associates complications with the first symptoms, and which lasts for more than three months;
• idiopathic pericarditis : defined by a recurrence of symptoms associated with acute pericarditis.

The causes of pericarditis

An infection of the pericardium can be the cause of pericarditis.

Other causes can also promote the development of pericarditis, such as:

• a surgical intervention of the heart ;
• certains c ;
• certains treatments, and in particular radiotherapy as well as chemotherapy.

Idiopathic pericarditis and chronic pericarditis may also be related to a deficiency in the patient’s immune system (underlying chronic pathologies, age, etc.)

People most at risk of pericarditis

Pericarditis is a relatively common inflammation of the pericardium and only results in hospitalization in 5% of cases.

Both men and women are prone to developing this type of inflammation. Pericarditis also affects all ages, with a predominance in adults.

Course and possible complications of pericarditis

In rare cases, acute pericarditis can lead to other problems or develop into idiopathic or chronic pericarditis.

In the context of the development of chronic pericarditis, drug treatment and surgery are possible to remedy and limit potential complications.

In extreme cases, pericarditis can be vital, but this is exceptional.

Symptoms and treatments for pericarditis

Symptoms of pericarditis

Symptoms common to all types of pericarditis are: chest pain.

These pains are generally sudden and intense. Some patients even testify to pain as a result of significant fatigue or a significant stressful situation.

The pain can also spread to the left shoulder or the back of the neck. It is all the more important when lying down, or even while taking a meal.

Other symptoms can also be related to pericarditis:

• un feverish state ;
• of the breathing difficulties ;
• a fatigue intense ;
• of the nausea ;
• a cough important ;
• of the swelling at the level of the abdomen or the legs.

In rare cases, pericarditis can get worse in the form of myocarditis: inflammation of the heart muscle.

In the context of a finding of significant pain in the chest, it is strongly recommended to make an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible, in order to avoid any possible complications: heart attack or the formation of a blood clot. .

How to treat pericarditis?

Pericarditis is usually treated with pharmaceuticals. Among these, we find:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• the Colchicine;
• corticosteroids;
• antibiotics, in the context of a bacterial infection.

Hospitalization is prescribed in the context of:

• high temperature;
• a blood test showing too much reduction in white blood cells (signifying an infection);
• the development of symptoms following surgery;

Recurrence of pericarditis is possible, against this background it is a development of idiopathic pericarditis.