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Pericarditis by Julia Kolaru

Page history last edited by Julia Kolaru 4 years ago

Pericarditis

According to an article published by heart.org, pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is two thin sac-like layers that lines the heart. Its function is to hold the heart in place. It contains a fluid that helps prevent friction between the layer and the inflammation of this is basically the formation of excess fluid. The article explains that “A common symptom of pericarditis is chest pain, caused by the sac’s layers becoming inflamed and possibly rubbing against the heart. It may feel like pain from a heart attack”(Heart.org). This disease is a result of bacterial or even fungal infections and can be treated and prevented.

Ways in which pericarditis can be treated is through medications such as over the counter pain medicine to suppress the pains associated with the disease, colchicine or corticosteroids. Another form of treatment include procedures such as pericardiocentesis – the insertion of a tube into the pericardial cavity to drain the excess fluids– and pericardiectomy which is the removal of the entire sac. This form of treatment in particular is highly dangerous and can lead to death.  

According to Clevelandclinic, about 0.1 admissions into the hospital each year is a result of acute pericarditis. The article also explains that "the most common form of acute pericarditis is idiopathic, which accounts for about 90% of cases" (Phelan, Collier & Grimm, 2015)

 

 

References:

Heart.org. (n.d.). Prevention and Treatment of Pericarditis. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/pericarditis/prevention-and-treatment-of-pericarditis

Newman, T. (2018, January 25). Pericarditis: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193320

Phelan, D., Collier, P., & Grimm, R. (2015, July). Pericardial Disease. Retrieved from http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/cardiology/pericardial-disease/

 

 

 

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