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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Symptoms Of Pericarditis?

Hi, I believe I have pericarditis due to cat scan and primary said so but cardiologist did noyt say for sure what it was but did no firther tests to determine. Fam doc put me on steroyds,,, twive and came back each time. Cardiologist wanted me to take motrin or alege but I have colitis and it disrupts my system. Do you have any further insite you could share with me. Maybe I should get another oinion? I felt horrible last night and the room was spinning while my heart has twitching and hurting....did not know what to do, esp when I broke out into a bad sweat? I am tired of this.
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 20 Sep 2016 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 20 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium with occasional pericardial effusion. about 90% of the causes are unknown. Most people will have viral type symptoms such as fever, myalgias, and malaise. Pericarditis can also cause cute, sharp, stabbing chest pain that can last hours to days. Some people will also get shortness of breath and pain with breathing.I am assuming you had a pretty extensive work up before being diagnosed with pericarditis. The work up should've included blood work with inflammatory markers and cardiac markers, as well as EKG changes. The first line treatment is usually ibuprofen several times daily for about two weeks. There are other anti-inflammatories that work just as good if you cannot tolerate ibuprofen. Steroids are actually a second line treatment but work just as good as ibuprofen. Generally, about 7 to 10 days of ibuprofen can significantly decrease your symptoms and pericarditis. You should also get plenty of rest. some people have will have recurrent pericarditis. You should also have an ultrasound of your heart to make sure there is no fluid around the heart. If you do not get better with ibuprofen in 10 days, I would recommend having a further work up to make sure you do not have my own pericarditis which involves the heart muscle.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Pericarditis?

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium with occasional pericardial effusion. about 90% of the causes are unknown. Most people will have viral type symptoms such as fever, myalgias, and malaise. Pericarditis can also cause cute, sharp, stabbing chest pain that can last hours to days. Some people will also get shortness of breath and pain with breathing.I am assuming you had a pretty extensive work up before being diagnosed with pericarditis. The work up should ve included blood work with inflammatory markers and cardiac markers, as well as EKG changes. The first line treatment is usually ibuprofen several times daily for about two weeks. There are other anti-inflammatories that work just as good if you cannot tolerate ibuprofen. Steroids are actually a second line treatment but work just as good as ibuprofen. Generally, about 7 to 10 days of ibuprofen can significantly decrease your symptoms and pericarditis. You should also get plenty of rest. some people have will have recurrent pericarditis. You should also have an ultrasound of your heart to make sure there is no fluid around the heart. If you do not get better with ibuprofen in 10 days, I would recommend having a further work up to make sure you do not have my own pericarditis which involves the heart muscle.