What is the main cause of pericarditis?

The cause of pericarditis is often unknown, though viral infections are a common reason. Pericarditis may occur after a respiratory or digestive system infection. Chronic and recurring pericarditis may be caused by autoimmune disorders such as lupus, scleroderma and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is the best treatment for pericarditis?

Pericarditis pain can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). Prescription-strength pain relievers also may be used. Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare). This drug reduces inflammation in the body.

Is pericarditis life threatening?

Pericarditis can range from mild illness that gets better on its own, to a life-threatening condition. Fluid buildup around the heart and poor heart function can complicate the disorder. The outcome is good if pericarditis is treated right away. Most people recover in 2 weeks to 3 months.

What is the most common cause of pericarditis?

Pericarditis, or inflammation of the pericardium, is most often caused by viral infection. It can also develop as a result of bacterial or other infection, autoimmune disease, renal failure, injury to the mediastinal area, and the effects of certain drugs (notably hydralazine and procainamide).

What conditions cause pericarditis?

Pericarditis causes can include:

Immune system response after heart damage due to a heart attack or heart surgery (Dressler syndrome, also called postmyocardial infarction syndrome or postcardiac injury syndrome)

Infection, such as COVID-19.

Inflammatory disorders, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Can you fully recover from pericarditis?

It can take weeks or months to recover from pericarditis. Full recovery is most likely with rest and ongoing care, which can help reduce your risk of getting it again.

What foods help pericarditis?

Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. Include foods high in vitamin C and A like oranges, kale and other leafy greens, kiwi, strawberries, grapefruit, red peppers, green peppers, guava and broccoli. Consume bone broth daily, which is another healing food that will supply essential vitamins and minerals.

Does pericarditis damage the heart?

Two serious complications of pericarditis are cardiac tamponade and chronic constrictive pericarditis. These conditions can disrupt your heart's normal rhythm and/or function. If left untreated, they may lead to death.

Who is most at risk for pericarditis?

Who is at risk for pericarditis? Pericarditis affects people of all ages, but men ages 16 to 65 are more likely to develop it. Among those treated for acute pericarditis, up to 30% may experience the condition again, with a small number eventually developing chronic pericarditis.

Can stress bring on pericarditis?

Stress cardiomyopathy (CMP) has been described as a complication of post-myocardial infarction pericarditis (Dressler syndrome). Stress CMP can also be complicated by pericarditis. We describe the novel observation where idiopathic pericarditis is the primary disease, which precipitated stress CMP.

Can you live a normal life with pericarditis?

Maintaining good health, scheduling regular cardiology appointments, and adhering to after-care instructions can assist patients with living a long and healthy lifestyle after a pericarditis diagnosis.

Can you recover fully from pericarditis?

Living with pericarditis

Some cases, if not treated, can lead to chronic pericarditis and serious problems that affect your heart. It can take weeks or months to recover from pericarditis. Full recovery is most likely with rest and ongoing care, which can help reduce your risk of getting it again.

Can exercise cure pericarditis?

Thus, continued exercise with pericarditis may accelerate muscle wasting and deconditioning. Therefore, in addition to a delay in healing, there may be a risk of worsening performance and predisposition to musculoskeletal injury [13, 20].