Pericarditis
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is improvement of heart function. The cause must be identified and treated. This may include antibiotics or other treatments.
Medications include analgesics to relieve pain and diuretics to remove excess fluid. Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), or corticosteroids may be prescribed to relieve inflammation of the pericardium.
Activity is restricted to bedrest with the head of the bed up to reduce the workload on the heart.
Pericardiocentesis (removal of excess fluid from the pericardial sac) may be recommended if enough fluid collects in the pericardial sac to compromise the heart function. Surgical pericardiectomy (cutting or removal of part of the pericardium) may be advised if the disorder is chronic or recurrent.
Expectations (prognosis):
Pericarditis may be life threatening if untreated. The outcome is good if the disorder is treated promptly. Most people recover in 2 weeks to 3 months.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate pericarditis may be present. The disorder can be life threatening if untreated.
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