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Pericarditis

What`s pericarditis?

• Pericarditis is an inflammation (swelling) of the pericardium, which is the sac that covers one`s heart. The pericardium includes an outer and inner coating, and also a little bit of fluid between those layers. The duty of the pericardium is to serve as a protective cover against infection and the spread of the cancer. It also prevents movement of the heart and also reduces friction between one`s heart and other organs.
• Once the pericardium swells, the fluid between the two layers increases. This squeezes the blood vessels and the heart flow. You may have chest pain painful enough to need medical assistance right away.

The causes of pericarditis?

For some people the cause is unknown, although an infection by a parasite called a virus is the cause of pericarditis. Listed below are reasons:

• Infection: Germs such as bacteria and tuberculosis.
• Trauma: Injury to the chest as a result of an injury or a hard blow.
• Medicine: Certain medicines can cause pericarditis.
• Radiation: A chest x-ray may cause irritation and swelling of the pericardium.
• Other diseases: A heart attack, chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, AIDS, or cancer spreading from neighboring organs.

What are the symptoms and signs of pericarditis?

The most usual symptom is sudden and severe (very bad) chest pain. It is described as:

• Sharp and stabbing.
• Felt behind the breastbone, at times dispersing to the throat, neck, and shoulder.
• Worse when breathing , coughing, or if lying down. Relief is felt up on sitting up and leaning forward.
• Lasting a few hours to several days.

• Fever.
• Feeling as if your heart is racing or pounding.
• Nausea (upset stomach).
• Vomiting (throwing up).
• Hoarseness of voice.

How is pericarditis diagnosed?

You may need some of the following evaluations:

• Chest x ray: that really is a picture of one`s heart and lungs. Care givers use it to observe the way heart and your lungs are currently doing. The xray to look for diminished lungs, or to start looking for signs of infection like pneumonia may be used by caregivers. Chest x rays may show tumors, broken ribs, or fluid around lungs and the heart.
• Computerized tomography scanning: This can be also known as a CT or CAT scan. A special x ray machine uses a computer to take images of one`s heart.
• Magnetic resonance imaging: This evaluation can be called an MRI. MRI lets care givers to see inside the human body. Throughout the MRI, images are taken of one`s heart.
• Echocardiogram:
  • This evaluation can be called an echo. It is a sort of ultrasound, with sound waves to show images of one`s heart`s size and shape. An echo looks at the way your heart goes if it is beating. These images have been seen on a TV-like screen.
  • This evaluation is done while lying down in your back. Clear jelly will be squirted in your chest to help the ultrasound sensor slide. The sensor will probably be brushed across your chest to realize your heart from different angles. You may hear a whooshing or barking noise, which is the sound of one`s blood flow. Caregivers may request you to synthesize a bicycle throughout the evaluation (exercise ) or else you gets medicine before the exam to increase the flow of blood to your heart (stress echo). This evaluation can tell just how well your heart is still pumping. An echo can also detect problems, such as fluid around the heart or problems with your heart valves.
• 12-lead ECG: This evaluation, also known as an EKGthat helps caregivers look for damage or problems in distinct regions of one`s heart. Caregivers may need to prepare your skin by shaving off a little hair, or cleaning it. Pads are placed on your chest, arms, and thighs. Each sticky pad has a wire that`s hooked on screen or a machine. A period of electric activity on the heart muscle is recorded. Care givers can look closely at changes or many difficulties in the way the heart is working. This evaluation takes about 5 to ten minutes. It is essential that you lie as still as possible during this evaluation. You may need this evaluation.
• Pericardiocentesis: this process is applied to take an example of fluid from the pericardium using a needle. The fluid is delivered to the lab for tests.
• Pericardial biopsy: an example of this pericardium is sent and taken to the lab for tests.

How is pericarditis treated?

You may need some of the following treatments:

• Medicines:
  • Compounds: This medication is given if pericarditis is caused by a bacteria.
  • Antituberculotic medicine: Antituberculotic medicine could be given to kill the germ that causes tuberculosis (TB).
  • Aspirin: aspirin Aspirin could be given to help decrease swelling, swelling, and fever.
  • Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs: Additionally called NSAIDs, this medication reduces pain caused by swelling.
  • Steroids: Steroids could be given to diminish swelling of the pericardium.
• Pericardiocentesis: that really is a procedure by which a needle can be used to remove additional fluid from the pericardium.
• Surgery: operation identified as a pericardiectomy may be done to remove a part of, or each the pericardium.

Where can I find support and more details?

Having pericarditis can be a life-changing disorder for you and your family. Accepting that you might have the illness may be hard. You and people close to you may feel stressed or scared. Talk with your caregivers, family members, or friends about your own feelings. You may also desire to join a service group. Ask your physician. Get the following for more details:

• American Heart Association National Center 7272 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75231-4596 Phone: 1-800-242-8721 Web Address: http://www.americanheart.org

• American College of Cardiology 9111 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 1-301-897 Phone: 1-800-253-4636 Web Address: http://www.acc.org/

Care Deal

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your wellbeing condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options. Assist them to decide what care may be used to deal with you. You always have the right.

Further advice

Always consult your physician to be sure the information relates to your circumstances.