Good Afternoon Everyone,I am going to post info re pericarditis not to be confused with PVCs which are generally benign in nature and would alone, without a cause, call for the use of NSAIDs.
Symptoms of pericarditis
Chest pain symptoms associated with pericarditis can be described as:
- Sharp and stabbing (caused by the heart rubbing against the pericardium)
- May increase with coughing, swallowing, deep breathing or lying flat
- Can be relieved by sitting up and leaning forward
- You also may feel the need to bend over or hold your chest to breathe more comfortably.
Other symptoms include:
- Pain in the back, neck or left shoulder
- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- A dry cough
- Anxiety or fatigue
In some people, pericarditis can cause swelling of the feet, legs or ankles. This swelling may be a symptom of constrictive pericarditis, a serious type of pericarditis. In constrictive pericarditis, the patient’s pericardium hardens and/or thickens, preventing the heart muscle from expanding and affecting the function of the heart. The heart may be compressed by the constrictive process, which may cause blood to back up into the lungs, abdomen and legs, as well as cause the swelling.
There are many causes of pericarditis, but it is often a complication of a viral infection (viral pericarditis) – usually a gastrointestinal virus, or rarely the flu virus or AIDS. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection (bacterial pericarditis), fungal infection (fungal pericarditis) or parasitic infection (parasitic pericarditis).
Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma, also can cause pericarditis.
If you have any of the symptoms of acute pericarditis, you should schedule an exam with your doctor immediately. Left untreated, pericarditis can become a life-threatening condition because pericardial effusion can develop and possibly lead to cardiac tamponade (a severe compression of the heart that impairs its ability to function).
The first step before trying self treatment is always a medical evaluation.
I am going to post a gentle reminder from the guidelines of HealingWell:
4. Use good judgement. NEVER rely on information or opinions exchanged to replace necessary, personal consultation(s) with qualified health or medical professionals to meet your individual health or medical needs. Remember that what's right or has worked for one person may not be what's right for you.