How to Treat Pericarditis

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Pericarditis is swelling or inflammation of the pericardium, which is the two thin sac-like layers of tissue surrounding the heart. The pericardium holds the heart in place and helps it function properly. [1] Pericarditis usually causes chest pain, which may be sharp, when these two layers rub against each other. The pain of pericarditis often begins suddenly and doesn’t last long. [2] In most cases, pericarditis is mild and clears up on its own. [3]

Things You Should Know

  • Pericarditis is usually mild and will go away on its own if you get plenty of rest, so avoid any strenuous activities until your symptoms are completely gone.
  • You might get some relief by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, and it may help to sit upright or leaned slightly forward.
  • If your discomfort doesn't go away on its own, your doctor may prescribe colchicine (Colcrys) or prednisone to treat your pericarditis.
  • Occasionally, some people may experience complications from pericarditis that will need to be treated with surgery.
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Easing Pericarditis with Home Care

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most pericarditis attacks come on quickly and do not usually last long. The most common symptom is a sharp, stabbing chest pain that may be in the middle or left side of your chest. The pain may also be in one or both shoulders or feel like a heart attack. Being able to recognize symptoms of pericarditis can ensure that you get prompt care. Other symptoms of pericarditis include: [4]
    • Pain while lying down or breathing
    • Dull ache or pressure in the chest
    • Fever
    • Weakness
    • Trouble breathing
    • Heart palpitations
    • Coughing
    • Fatigue
  2. Most mild cases of pericarditis go away with rest. If you suspect that you are having an attack of pericarditis, sit down until the pain eases. Avoid any strenuous activity until you feel better, which can prevent a further attack.
    • Continue to rest if you have a fever that accompanies any pain. Go back to your regular activities only when you have no symptoms of pericarditis. [5]
    Advertisement
  3. If you have had bouts of pericarditis in the past, your doctor may suggest taking an OTC pain reliever. This can minimize pain and inflammation until the pericarditis subsides. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen are most often used to ease the discomfort of pericarditis.
    • Following dosing instructions given by your doctor or on the pain reliever’s label.
  4. Some people may find that certain positions make their pericarditis worse. If you are experiencing an attack, try sitting up and/or leaning forward, which may ease your pain. [6]
    • Recognize that lying down or deep breathing may make your pericarditis worse.
  5. In most cases, you can’t prevent pericarditis; however, you can minimize the risk of having another episode, experiencing complications or developing chronic pericarditis. You can do this by: [7]
    • Getting prompt treatment
    • Following your treatment plan
    • Getting ongoing medical care
    6. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Seeking Medical Treatment for Pericarditis

PDF download Download Article
  1. Only a doctor can diagnose pericarditis. [8] If you have a prolonged bout of pericarditis that doesn’t respond to home treatment or you suspect you may have the condition, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Explain to the staff why you are calling so that they can accommodate you quickly.
    • Tell your doctor any symptoms you’ve had and what measures you have taken to ease them. Let the doctor know how the pain feels, where its located, and what makes it better or worse.
    • Answer any questions your doctor might have for you. These may include whether you’ve had a recent respiratory infection or flu-like illness, a heart attack or injury to your chest, or any other medical conditions.
  2. Your doctor may prescribe colchicine (Colcrys) if you have acute or recurrent pericarditis. [9] Colchicine is a drug that minimizes inflammation throughout the body. It can reduce the length of pericarditis symptoms and decrease the risk of recurrence. [10]
    • Be aware that colchicine is not safe for people with liver or kidney disease. It is also not safe when taking certain medications. Your doctor will check to make sure you’re not taking anything that may react with colchicine.
  3. If your pain is especially severe, your doctor may prescribe you prednisone, which is a steroid medication. Your doctor may also have you take prednisone if you don’t respond to other treatments or your symptoms are recurrent. [11]
  4. There are two serious complications that can develop as a result of pericarditis. [12] Cardiac tamponade is a condition where fluid builds up around the heart. [13] Constrictive pericarditis is chronic inflammation of the pericardium with thickening and scarring. [14] Treatment for both of these conditions is surgery. If you have either, your doctor will suggest one of the following surgical procedures: [15]
    • Pericardiocentesis, a procedure that requires the insertion of a small needle or tube to remove excess fluid in the pericardium. This relieves pressure on your heart. [16]
    • Pericardiectomy, a procedure to remove the pericardium and any scarring you may have. [17]
    • Pericardial window, which is when the surgeon makes an incision under the breastbone or through the ribs to reach the pericardium and drain the excess fluid. This can also help to prevent future fluid buildup in the pericardium. [18]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if my symptoms get worse while I’m waiting for the initial results?
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.
    Janice Litza, MD
    Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    You should seek emergency evaluation. Pericarditis will often resolve on its own; however, there are other serious conditions that need to be evaluated if your symptoms change.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 9
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unknown chest pain. You could be having a heart attack and it is better to be sure of the cause of your chest pain. [19]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Ease Sudden Chest Pain
      How to
      Survive a Heart Attack
      When to Worry about Left Arm Pain (And When Not To)
      How to
      Read an EKG
      How to
      Wear a Holter Monitor
      How to
      Perform a Carotid Massage
      How to
      Improve Circulation to Your Feet
      How to
      Prepare for an ECG
      How to
      Interpret Echocardiograms
      How to
      Recover From an Angiogram
      How to
      Raise Potassium Levels in the Body
      How to
      Detect an Aneurysm
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1843700/
      2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pericarditis/basics/definition/con-20035562
      3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000182.htm
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17353-pericarditis
      5. ↑ http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-Pericarditis_UCM_444933_Article.jsp#.WCD19RIrL-Y
      6. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000182.htm
      7. ↑ https://www.dignityhealth.org/socal/services/heart-services/cardiovascular-treatments/pericarditis-treatment-prevention
      8. ↑ http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Symptoms-and-Diagnosis-of-Pericarditis_UCM_444932_Article.jsp#.WCD0OxIrK8o
      9. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17353-pericarditis
      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17353-pericarditis
      2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pericarditis/basics/treatment/con-20035562
      3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pericarditis/basics/treatment/con-20035562
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17353-pericarditis
      5. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001103.htm
      6. ↑ http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-Pericarditis_UCM_444933_Article.jsp#.WCD19RIrL-Y
      7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pericarditis/basics/treatment/con-20035562
      8. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001103.htm
      9. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=135&contentid=359
      10. ↑ http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-Pericarditis_UCM_444933_Article.jsp#.WCD19RIrL-Y

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,075 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement