Dont Know If Lower Abdominal Pain Is Related To Pericarditis, But Im Curious If I Should Be Gravely Concerned About Either Of Them?

Posted on Wed, 15 Mar 2023

Question: Hello,

This morning, after breakfast, I developed a lower quadrant pain just above the pelvis that has been lingering all day. I also noticed a semi-sharp pain on my lower left back. I've had colonoscopy done (last year) and an endoscopy done (this year); both came back normal. I was also told, on something unrelated today, that I have pericarditis, which has me quite frightened to be honest.

Dont know if this lower abdominal pain is related to pericarditis, but Im curious if I should be gravely concerned about either of them?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pericarditis pain never radiates to right lower abdomen or lower back.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

* As per my clinical experience, pericarditis pain usually involve lower chest with
radiation to neck, shoulder and upper back.

* The pain over right lower abdomen above pelvis have many different possibilities as
appendix inflammation, intestine issues, gravels or calculus in the urinary system or
others ( but surely not pericarditis ).

However, I would like to know further details to give answer more precisely.

1. Pain - type, intensity, severity, aggravating, relieving factors.
2. Associated nausea, vomiting, alterations in bowel habits if any.
3. Urination is okay or problematic ?
4. Any sort of chest problems ?

Awaiting for your response.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (24 minutes later)

Well the chest pain that I’ve had has felt more like congestion (due to this bad bronchitis I’ve been diagnosed with; had a nasty cough and sinus congestion for about two weeks now).

The pelvic pain is sharp, on both the left and right sides, not too severe but is absent when laying down. No alterations in nausea or vomiting but I am experiencing pretty harsh RUQ that has been a problem for years now (that’s why I had the endo and colonoscopies). No urniation issues at all. Chest pain comes and goes, but again, feels more like congestion.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the details.

* Bronchitis can give chest discomfort of varying extent with radiation over back, but not
lower abdomen.

* I still continue with my narration of associated intestine spasm related to pelvic pain.

* Suggest to get an ultrasound of the abdomen & pelvis, x-ray chest and lab tests if not
done till now ( and if already done, then please provide the reports ).

Wish you fine recovery.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (20 minutes later)

I had an EKG and chest X-ray (to rule out pneumonia); the EKG is apparently what showed the pericarditis. Could the lower abdominal pain have been from eating something? It came on after breakfast today.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi

* If EKG is already done, then next step is to undertake a 2D Echo for the heart evaluation.

* The lower abdomen discomfort can be some food related or indigestion problem.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (23 hours later)

Will do. Should I be concerned about pericarditis, considering I was told that I had bronchitis (two weeks ago, but still have a cough)?

And sort of related, can RUQ pain (a very localized spot), right below my last rib be cardiac related or no?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Chase
Welcome for the follow-up.

* A person with bronchitis with a cough at 2 weeks is not the characteristic of pericarditis,
it may be related to lung infection also.

* Right upper quadrant pain at the localized spot is more likely to be a costochondral origin
rather than pericarditis pain which is typically center of the chest.

However, 2D Echo or CT scan of the thorax is confirmatory.
At present, I would suggest

- Deep breathing exercises with YOGA
- Inhalation of vapors of boiled water with blanket covered over the head
- Continue current medications
- Avoid active or passive smoking

Welcome to further doubts.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (12 minutes later)

Understood. I’m seeing a cardiologist next week (will most likely just be a consultation at first) but still. I was just alarmed at the news of having pericarditis considering that I’m overweight, have chest/back pain, and a cough that won’t go away (but the recent EKG showed the pericarditis but not an MI).

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi Chase
Welcome.

* Again for the EKG findings of pericarditis, there are 4 stages of EKG changes as acute
stage 1 or rest of the three in non acute phase.

* Many considerations are to be taken while interpreting the EKG as there may be similar
findings in early repolarization phase as well.

* Start considering weight control from this point only.

So you have to relax till you consult the cardiologist for the same.
Have patience and be positive, everything would be fine.

Thanks.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (25 hours later)

I do not know which stage or phase it was. Just that I have pericarditis, which from what I’ve read, is common after a lung infection.

I started worrying all throughout the day today that I’m having CHF or some cardiac issue due to this chest pain and cough. I’m seeing a cardiologist on Monday but I’m terrified that my heart is failing or something. Maybe it’s anxiety from thinking it’s CHF?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no CHF at all. Relax, please.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Chase

* Please just relax, it is not CHF or grave condition at all.
It is your anxiety to make you think like that.

Regards.

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana