Pericarditis pain is located behind on your breastbone or on the left side of your chest.
The pericarditis pain may spread to your neck and left shoulder and become worse when you cough, take a deep breath or lay down.
When 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.
The most common signs of pericarditis include chest pain, fever, weakness and tiredness, coughing, trouble breathing, and pain when swallowing.
If pericarditis is suspected, your doctor will listen to your heart very carefully. A common sign of pericarditis is a pericardial rub.
The hallmark signs of pericarditis include.
Pain in your back, neck or left shoulder.
Trouble breathing when you lie down.
A dry cough.
Palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or beating irregularly).
Anxiety or fatigue.
Fever.
Swelling of your legs, feet and ankles in severe cases.
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.
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.
Pericarditis is swelling and irritation of the thin, saclike tissue surrounding the heart (pericardium).
Pericarditis often causes sharp chest pain.
The chest pain occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other.
Pericarditis is usually mild and goes away without treatment.
Treatments for pericarditis 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.