Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart and holds it in place. Other names for pericarditis depending on the type include: idiopathic pericarditis (no known cause), acute pericarditis, chronic pericarditis, chronic effusive pericarditis and chronic constrictive pericarditis, and recurrent pericarditis. Generally, pericarditis affects people of all ages, but men between the ages of 20 and 50 are more likely to develop it than others. Pericarditis is usually caused by unknown sources, but viral infections are a common cause. This disease often occurs after an upper respiratory infection. Another possible cause of pericarditis is an autoimmune response to disorders such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Common symptoms of acute pericarditis are severe chest pain, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, and palpitations, which are sensations that your heart skips a beat, pounds, or beats too hard or too fast . Chronic pericarditis usually causes tiredness, cough, and shortness of breath, while chest pain is rare or nonexistent. If it is a severe case of chronic pericarditis, your stomach and legs may become swollen. Hypotension or low blood pressure may also occur. The usual tests used to diagnose other heart infections are done to detect pericarditis. An ECG, an electrocardiogram, is used to record the electrical activity of the heart, and some ECG findings may suggest pericarditis. A chest x-ray can show if you have an enlarged heart, which can be a sign of excess fluid in the pericardium. An echocardiography uses sound waves to generate images of the heart, showing its size, shape and function. It can show if fluid has accumulated in the pericardium. Cardiac CT, or computed tomography, helps rule out other causes of chest pain and narrow down the possibilities of other infections. A cardiac MRI may show changes in the pericardium. Blood tests may also be done to check the extent of inflammation in the pericardium. The prognosis for pericarditis treated immediately is good. Life expectancy is normal, as pericarditis itself is not specifically fatal. Recovery time is generally between 2 weeks and 3 months. However, pericarditis tends to recur. This type of pericarditis is called recurrent or chronic if symptoms or episodes continue to occur. Because pericarditis is sometimes caused by viral infections, there is no cure other than to rest and let it run its course. However, there are several treatment options for pain associated with pericarditis, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Drugs like colchicine reduce inflammation in the body that occurs due to pericarditis. If symptoms don't go away, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. If the cause is a bacterial infection, treatment consists of antibiotics and possible drainage. Pericarditis can cause two serious complications: cardiac tamponade and chronic constrictive pericarditis. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Cardiac tamponade occurs when the sac fills with too much fluid, putting pressure on the heart and preventing it from filling adequately with blood. Less blood leaves the heart and the result is dramatic.