What are the symptoms of pericarditis. How is pericarditis diagnosed. What causes pericarditis. How is pericarditis treated. How long does pericarditis last. Can you exercise with pericarditis. How to manage pericarditis pain.

Understanding Pericarditis: An Overview of Heart Inflammation

Pericarditis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart. While it can be a source of concern for those affected, pericarditis is typically not a severe condition. This article aims to provide comprehensive information about pericarditis, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pericarditis

The most common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain. This pain often has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other types of chest discomfort:

• Sharp or stabbing sensation (though some may experience dull, pressure-like pain)
• Localized on the left side of the chest or behind the breastbone
• May radiate to the shoulder and arms
• Exacerbated by coughing, swallowing, lying down, or deep breathing
• Alleviated by leaning forward

Additional symptoms of pericarditis may include:

• Elevated body temperature
• Chills and fever
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

It’s crucial to call emergency services immediately if you experience:

• Chest pain that feels tight or heavy
• Chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes
• Pain spreading to the arms, back, neck, and jaw
• Shortness of breath and/or nausea accompanying chest pain

Exploring the Causes of Pericarditis

Pericarditis can be triggered by various factors. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and management of the condition.

Common Causes of Pericarditis

• Viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19
• Bacterial infections
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

Less Common Causes

• Chest injuries from accidents or surgical procedures
• Heart attacks
• Underlying health conditions like cancer, kidney failure, or hypothyroidism
• Certain medications or vaccines

In some cases, the cause of pericarditis remains unknown, a condition referred to as idiopathic pericarditis. While this can be frustrating for patients, support is available to help manage both the physical symptoms and emotional impact of the condition.

Diagnosing Pericarditis: Tests and Procedures

Diagnosing pericarditis can be challenging, as its symptoms may mimic other heart conditions. Healthcare providers typically employ a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of pericarditis.

Physical Examination

During a physical exam, your doctor will listen to your chest, as pericarditis can alter the sound of your heartbeat.

Diagnostic Tests

Several tests may be conducted to diagnose pericarditis:

• Blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the heart’s electrical activity
• Echocardiogram (echo) to visualize the heart’s structure and function
• Chest X-ray to examine the size and shape of the heart

These diagnostic procedures are generally quick, painless, and cause minimal discomfort for most patients.

Treatment Options for Pericarditis

The treatment approach for pericarditis varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Here are some common treatment options:

Medications

• Pain relievers to manage discomfort
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as colchicine
• Steroids, if colchicine is ineffective
• Antibiotics for bacterial pericarditis

Surgical Intervention

In rare cases where symptoms persist or worsen, a surgical procedure called a pericardial window may be recommended. This involves draining the inflamed pericardium surrounding the heart.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When discussing treatment options with your healthcare provider, consider asking the following questions:

• What is my follow-up plan?
• Do you have any tips for managing symptoms?
• When and how can I safely return to exercise?
• When is it appropriate for me to return to work?

Managing Pericarditis Pain: Strategies for Relief

Dealing with chest pain from pericarditis can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can employ to alleviate discomfort and improve your quality of life:

Medication Management

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. These may include over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or prescription medications such as colchicine.

Positional Changes

Many people with pericarditis find relief by sitting up or leaning forward. When sleeping, try using extra pillows to elevate your upper body.

Relaxation Techniques

Stress can exacerbate pain, so practicing relaxation methods like deep breathing exercises or meditation may help reduce discomfort.

Heat or Cold Therapy

Applying a heating pad or cold pack to the chest area may provide temporary relief. Experiment to see which temperature works best for you.

Gentle Exercise

Once your doctor gives approval, engaging in light physical activity can help improve overall well-being and potentially reduce pain. Start with low-impact exercises like walking or gentle stretching.

Living with Pericarditis: Duration and Lifestyle Considerations

Understanding the typical duration of pericarditis and how it may affect your daily life is crucial for managing the condition effectively.

How Long Does Pericarditis Last?

The duration of pericarditis can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. Acute pericarditis typically lasts a few weeks with proper treatment. However, some cases may become chronic, lasting for several months or even recurring.

Sleeping with Pericarditis

Getting quality sleep with pericarditis can be challenging. Try these strategies:

• Use extra pillows to elevate your upper body
• Sleep on your right side or back to minimize discomfort
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine to reduce stress
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime

Working with Pericarditis

Many people with pericarditis can continue working, but some adjustments may be necessary:

• Discuss your condition with your employer and request accommodations if needed
• Take regular breaks to rest and manage stress
• Consider working from home or adjusting your schedule during recovery
• Prioritize tasks and delegate when possible to conserve energy

Exercising with Pericarditis

While exercise is generally beneficial for overall health, it’s essential to approach physical activity cautiously when dealing with pericarditis:

• Consult your doctor before resuming or starting any exercise regimen
• Begin with low-impact activities like walking or swimming
• Gradually increase intensity and duration as tolerated
• Listen to your body and stop if you experience pain or shortness of breath
• Avoid high-intensity workouts or contact sports until cleared by your healthcare provider

Seeking Support: Resources for Pericarditis Patients

Living with pericarditis can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are various support options available to help you cope with the condition:

Medical Support

• Regular check-ups with your cardiologist or primary care physician
• Consultation with a pain management specialist if needed
• Referral to a rheumatologist for underlying inflammatory conditions

Emotional Support

• Counseling or therapy to address anxiety or depression related to chronic illness
• Support groups for individuals with heart conditions
• Online forums and communities for pericarditis patients

Educational Resources

• Patient education materials from reputable medical organizations
• Workshops or seminars on managing chronic heart conditions
• Books and articles about pericarditis and heart health

Lifestyle Support

• Nutritional counseling to optimize heart health
• Physical therapy or cardiac rehabilitation programs
• Occupational therapy for workplace adaptations

Remember, you don’t have to face pericarditis alone. Reaching out for support can significantly improve your quality of life and help you manage the condition more effectively.

Pericarditis and COVID-19: Understanding the Connection

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased attention to pericarditis due to its potential association with both the virus itself and the vaccines developed to prevent it.

COVID-19 and Pericarditis Risk

Studies have shown that COVID-19 infection can lead to various cardiovascular complications, including pericarditis. The virus may directly affect the heart or trigger an inflammatory response that impacts the pericardium.

Pericarditis and COVID-19 Vaccines

There have been rare reports of pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in young males after receiving mRNA vaccines. However, it’s important to note that:

• The risk of pericarditis from COVID-19 infection is significantly higher than from vaccination
• Most cases of vaccine-related pericarditis are mild and resolve with treatment
• The benefits of vaccination in preventing severe COVID-19 outweigh the rare risk of pericarditis

Monitoring and Reporting

If you develop symptoms of pericarditis after COVID-19 infection or vaccination, seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare providers are encouraged to report any suspected cases to appropriate authorities for ongoing monitoring and research.

Pericarditis in Special Populations: Considerations and Challenges

While pericarditis can affect anyone, certain populations may face unique challenges or require special considerations in diagnosis and treatment.

Pericarditis in Children

Pediatric pericarditis is relatively rare but can occur. Special considerations include:

• Difficulty in diagnosing due to vague symptoms or inability to articulate discomfort
• Potential impact on growth and development
• Need for age-appropriate treatment and dosing
• Importance of family education and support

Pericarditis in Pregnancy

Managing pericarditis during pregnancy requires careful consideration:

• Some medications used to treat pericarditis may not be safe during pregnancy
• Close monitoring of both mother and fetus is essential
• Collaboration between cardiologists and obstetricians is crucial
• Potential impact on delivery plans and postpartum care

Pericarditis in Older Adults

Elderly patients with pericarditis may face additional challenges:

• Increased risk of complications due to comorbidities
• Potential drug interactions with existing medications
• Need for careful monitoring of kidney function with certain treatments
• Importance of maintaining overall health and mobility during recovery

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Pericarditis Management

The field of pericarditis research is continuously evolving, with new studies aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes for patients.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Researchers are exploring the use of advanced imaging modalities such as cardiac MRI and PET scans to enhance the accuracy of pericarditis diagnosis and monitor treatment response.

Novel Therapeutics

Ongoing studies are investigating new medications and treatment approaches, including:

• Targeted immunotherapies to address specific inflammatory pathways
• Extended-release formulations of existing drugs for improved efficacy and compliance
• Combination therapies to enhance treatment outcomes

Genetic Studies

Research into the genetic factors influencing pericarditis susceptibility and recurrence may lead to personalized treatment strategies and improved risk assessment.

Long-term Outcome Studies

Longitudinal studies are being conducted to better understand the long-term prognosis of pericarditis patients and identify factors that may predict recurrence or complications.

As research in these areas progresses, patients with pericarditis can look forward to potentially more effective and tailored treatment options in the future. Staying informed about these developments and discussing them with your healthcare provider can help you make the best decisions for your individual case.

Pericarditis – causes, symptoms & treatment

If you’ve been diagnosed with pericarditis or think you might have symptoms of pericarditis, it can feel worrying. But pericarditis is not usually a serious condition. On this page we’ll answer the most common questions people have about pericarditis, including:

Pericarditis symptoms, causes and treatments:

• What is pericarditis?
• What are the symptoms of pericarditis?
• What causes pericarditis?
• Pericarditis and covid
• How to diagnose pericarditis
• Pericarditis ECG
• What is the treatment for pericarditis?
• How to treat pericarditis chest pain

Living with pericarditis:

• How long does pericarditis last?
• How to sleep with pericarditis
• Can I work with pericarditis?
• Can I exercise with pericarditis?
• How to get support

What is pericarditis?

Pericarditis is when your pericardium (the protective sac that surrounds your heart) is inflamed. Inflammation is your body’s way of fighting against things that could harm it, such as infections or injuries, so that it can heal itself. When your pericardium is inflamed it can cause symptoms that can affect your daily life.

Pericarditis can sometimes happen together with myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and they have similar symptoms. If you have both pericarditis and myocarditis, this is sometimes known as myopericarditis.

•  We can help you to live with pericarditis– find the right support for you.

What are the symptoms of pericarditis?

If you have pericarditis, the most common symptom is chest pain. This chest pain may:

• feel sharp or stabbing (however some people have dull, pressure-like chest-pain)
• be felt on the left-hand side of the chest or behind your breastbone
• may spread to your shoulder and arms
• get worse when coughing, swallowing, lying down (especially on your left side) or taking a deep breath
• get better when leaning forward

Other pericarditis symptoms include:

• having a high temperature
• feeling hot and shivery
• feeling sick
• feeling light-headed
• shortness of breath

Getting diagnosed and treated early can help you feel better and lower the risk of long-term complications from pericarditis, so speak to a doctor if you have these symptoms.

When to call 999

You should call 999 immediately, if:

• Your chest pain makes your chest feel tight or heavy
• Your chest pain lasts more than 15 minutes
• Your pain spreads to the arms, back, neck and jaw
• You also feel short of breath and/or feel sick

What causes pericarditis?

Pericarditis is most commonly caused by:

• a virus, such as the flu or Covid-19, or another infection
• inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis

More rarely pericarditis can be caused by:

• Injury to the chest, for example after a car accident, heart surgery, or heart attack
• Another health problem, such as cancer, kidney failure, or an underactive thyroid
• Certain medicines or vaccines

Read more about pericarditis and Covid-19 vaccines

Sometimes it isn’t possible to know the cause of pericarditis. This is known as idiopathic pericarditis. This can be frustrating and difficult. There is support available to help you manage your condition and your mental wellbeing – find out how we can help.

How to diagnose pericarditis?

Pericarditis can be hard to diagnose. Your GP will listen to your chest because pericarditis can change the sound it makes.

You may also have tests such as:

• blood tests to check for infections
• an electrocardiogram (ECG) 
• an echocardiogram (echo) 
• a chest X-ray.  

These tests are very common, don’t take long (sometimes just a few minutes), and most people don’t feel any pain or discomfort when having them.

What is the treatment for pericarditis?

How your pericarditis is treated will depend on what is causing it. Treatments for pericarditis may include:

• painkillers 
• anti-inflammatory medicine, such as colchicine
• steroids (if colchicine doesn’t work)
• antibiotics (if pericarditis is caused by a bacterial infection)
• Rarely, if pericarditis symptoms continue and get worse, a pericardial window may be recommended. This is surgery which drains the inflamed lining surrounding the heart.

Your doctor will discuss treatments and explain which one is right for you. Some people find it useful to think about questions they’ll ask before an appointment and write these down on paper, or on their phone, so they don’t forget to discuss them with their doctor. Questions you might find helpful to ask your doctor include:

• What is my follow-up plan?
• Any tips for managing symptoms?
• How and when can I return to exercise?
• How and when can I return to work?

How to treat chest pain from pericarditis

Living with pericarditis chest pain can be difficult, but there are things you can do to help ease the pain and feel better. They include:

• taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory pain medicine (chat to your doctor about this)
• sitting up
• leaning forward

Have a chat with your doctor about how to manage your pain and what to do if it’s not getting better.

If the pain suddenly gets worse and lasts more than 15 minutes, or you have any new symptoms, this could be a heart attack, so call 999 immediately.

How long does pericarditis last?

Most people recover from pericarditis within a few weeks, but for some it can take several months.

Dealing with ongoing pericarditis symptoms can be tough, but it is possible to live a normal life with the right support – find out more about what emotional support is available.

How to sleep with pericarditis

If you have pericarditis, you might find the pain or anxiety about the symptoms is making it harder for you to sleep at night. Some top tips to help you fall asleep and get back to sleep if you wake in the night include:

• Find a position that is comfortable for you. Some people find sleeping in a more upright, sitting position more comfortable.
• Take some pain relief before going to bed. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to manage your pain.
• If anxious thoughts are making it harder to sleep, get tips for coping with anxiety.
• Get more suggestions for simple changes you can make to sleep better.

Can I work with pericarditis?

Depending on how serious your pericarditis symptoms are and what kind of work you need to do, you may need to take time off work.

If you’re not well enough to go to work, or if work is holding up your recovery, you can get a “fit note” (Statement of Fitness to Work) from your GP, so chat to your GP about this.

It can feel difficult to talk to work about taking time off, or you may be worried about whether you’ll get sick pay.

Get answers to your questions about work and a heart condition, whether you’re employed, self-employed, or a temporary worker.

Find out about financial help you may be able to get from the government if you’re dealing with long-term ill health. You can also get free and impartial advice about managing your money from moneyhelper. org.uk and find out about benefits and other sources of financial support at turn2us.org.uk.

Can I exercise with pericarditis?

Pericarditis can affect anyone, even people who had good health beforehand. If you have pericarditis, your body needs time to rest and recover. Chat to your doctor about when and how you can return to exercise.

They can talk to you about the type of exercise that will be safe for you to do. It’s usually recommended that you avoid high-intensity exercise for at least three months, but there might be other activities you can do instead.

• Get tips on how to recover well.

How to get support

Being diagnosed with pericarditis and living with pericarditis symptoms can feel overwhelming so we are here to help. To get support,

• Chat with one of our nurses on the Heart Helpline.
• Chat with your GP about getting talking therapy, or, if you’re in England, you can refer yourself for therapy through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).
• Speak to others with heart conditions by joining a support group or online community.
• Sign up to our Heart Matters magazine and email newsletter, packed with health and recovery tips.
• Join a Heart Support Group near you.

You can trust our health information

We’ve followed an eight-step process to make sure this content is reliable, accurate and trustworthy. Learn how we make our health information reliable and easy to understand.

Page last reviewed: July 2022
Next review due: July 2025

Common causes of chest pain in children

Patient Experience17th April 2020

• Reference Number: HEY1105/2020
• Departments: Emergency Department, Paediatrics
• Last Updated: 17 April 2020

You can translate this page by using the headphones button (bottom left) and then select the globe to change the language of the page. Need some help choosing a language? Please refer to Browsealoud Supported Voices and Languages.

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your child’s condition.  Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team caring for your child, but may act as a starting point for discussion.  If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for your child.

Chest Pain in Children

In most children and teenagers who are normally healthy, chest pain is not caused by a heart problem. Mostly it involves the ‘chest wall’, which is made up of the structures which surround the heart and lungs, including the ribs and breast bone.

Sometimes we do not know exactly what causes chest pain. Often it is associated with coughing and straining of the muscles surrounding the rib cage. Certain viral illnesses can cause inflammation of the joint between the ribs and the breast bone, which can lead to pain. This is called costochondritis.

Common causes of chest pain in children

Costochondritis:

Pain over the front of the chest. It can worsen with a deep breath, coughing or if someone presses on the affected area.

What can I do?

• A trial of ibuprofen can reduce the inflammation and pain

Precordial catch syndrome:

Sharp pains in a small area of the chest when breathing in. Due to irritation of the nerves in between the ribs, this normally gets better by itself within a few minutes.

What can I do?

• Most of the time no treatment is needed
• If it happens again take some slow deep breaths before the pain eases

Acid reflux:

The burning feeling in your chest caused by stomach acid travelling upwards towards the throat. Often there is no obvious reason why this happens, but can sometimes be triggered by a virus irritating the stomach lining.

What can I do?

• Eat smaller and more frequent meals
• Stay upright for 30 minutes after eating
• Avoid things which worsen the pain: these may include fizzy drinks, acidic, spicy or high fat foods
• Avoid ibuprofen because this can irritate the stomach lining further
• Contact your doctor if symptoms persist

Stress and anxiety:

Chest pain or tightness triggered when feeling stressed or worried. Often this can be related to a significant event in a child’s life, or sometimes there is no obvious cause.

What can I do?

• Try to find ways to distract yourself from the discomfort
• Speak to someone you trust about your worries
• Visit your doctor if concerns about your symptoms persist

What can I do to help my child?

Try to reassure your child or teenager that after review by the doctor we are reassured that this is a non-concerning chest pain. Follow the advice you are given for the specific cause of your child’s chest pain. See above for details.

Contact your doctor if:

• You are worried about your child
• Symptoms have changed since being reviewed in the Emergency Department and you are concerned

Call 999 if:

• Your child is having a lot of difficulty breathing and is pale or sweaty
• Symptoms have changed since attending the Emergency Department and your child is very unwell

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please call NHS 111

Chest pain | Causes

Characteristics of pain. Why is it important?

Doctors are well aware of how to distinguish neurogenic pain from pain associated with, for example, cardiovascular disease. Questioning a person in detail, the specialist mentally draws up a picture of pain, based on such characteristics as:

• Depth. Spine ailments are manifested by superficial pain
• Localization. If a person feels that it hurts more on the right, it is less likely to be related to the heart
• Cupping. What exactly means help get rid of the syndrome
• Neurotic pain is distinguished by shortness of breath, palpitations, and sometimes panic attacks. A person is afraid that he will not be able to inhale
• Pain in the chest when inhaling more often indicates problems with the spine than with internal organs
• With such a frequent heart disease as angina pectoris, pressing or squeezing pain is felt behind the sternum, and after taking special preparations it disappears in just a couple of minutes. If this happens, it is a clear indicator of heart problems. However, such drugs are powerless against pain syndrome caused by pathologies of another etiology

Diagnostics. How to determine the cause of pain

Getting to a specialist, the patient can not always correctly tell about the state of health, so the primary diagnosis must be confirmed using laboratory tests and hardware diagnostic methods.

How to determine the cause of pain in the chest in the middle?

Pain in the chest can indicate the presence of deadly pathologies that must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Typically do:

• radiograph;
• tomography;
• electrocardiogram;
• Ultrasound of the heart.

To determine the amount of substances necessary for the normal functioning of the body, a blood test is taken. If it was determined that there is no myocardial infarction, but pain is present, they resort to gastroscopy and find out the state of the digestive tract. Such an integrated approach is the key to the shortest clarification of the causes of chest pain and the appointment of appropriate therapeutic measures.

Treatment

There are many reasons why the chest hurts. It is not always possible to independently determine them, because there is a risk of confusing the symptoms and being treated not at all for the disease that makes itself felt by the pain syndrome. This leads to a loss of time and aggravation of the condition of a really diseased organ.

Depending on the detected disease, the patient can be treated by:

• cardiologist;
• rheumatologist;
• surgeon;
• gastroenterologist;
• pulmonologist;
• neuropathologist.

Accordingly, each specialist has his own medicines, treatment regimens, recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle. Not a single disease should be allowed to take its course, they do not go away on their own, but they tend to deepen and move into more severe stages. Therefore, having felt pain in the chest, it doesn’t matter which side, you need to go to the therapist and find out the state of your health. Responsible attitude to the body, high-quality medical care prolongs a person’s life for many years.

FGBU Federal Center for Traumatology, Orthopedics and Endoprosthetics

As a rule, the cause of chest pain is arthrosis (thoracic osteochondrosis). It is determined by a violation, degeneration of the intervertebral discs of the thoracic spine.

With age, the cartilaginous discs of the spine become thinner, destroyed, and the connective tissue can no longer perform its function, resulting in inflammation and pain.

Osteoarthritis is considered an age-related disease, the onset of the first symptoms is usually observed in people over 50 years of age, in young people the symptoms of the disease are rare. The limitation of the motor activity of older people leads to the fact that the spine is less supplied with blood, i.e. nutrients necessary for the restoration of cartilage tissue, which contributes to the occurrence of arthrosis of the chest.

This disease is not very common due to the fact that the thoracic spine is inactive and the load on it is not very large, it is rarely diagnosed with the development of intervertebral hernias, noticeable displacement of the vertebrae, protrusion. Nevertheless, osteoarthritis of the sternum is a dangerous disease, it is difficult to diagnose it in the early stages, which makes it more difficult to treat. Osteoarthritis of the chest very often causes diseases of the heart, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.

This disease can be triggered by a sedentary lifestyle, scoliosis, constant being in an uncomfortable position (for example, working at a computer or driving a car), excessive physical activity (for example, professional sports), metabolic disorders due to bad habits or overweight, strong stress.

Taking the first step to pain relief is easy. It is necessary to make an appointment with our advisory polyclinic and establish the cause.

Reception of patients in the advisory polyclinic of the Federal Center is carried out at the address: Barnaul, st. Lyapidevsky, 1/3 daily from 9:00 to 16:00 (except Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) by prior appointment at the consultative polyclinic reception by phone

Adult clinic: (3852) 297-502, 297-503, 297-519

Children’s Clinic: (3852) 297-504

If you sign up on a paid basis, then you just need to call and dictate your details. You will be offered a convenient time to visit.

To sign up for a free consultation, you need to have a referral from the attending physician, an extract from the outpatient medical record and an anatomical segment X-ray depending on the disease (no later than 6 months).

Regardless of whether you make an appointment for a fee or free of charge, when you visit a doctor, you must also take the following documents:

1.