- 1. Acute pericarditis caused by viruses or without known cause
- 2. Pericarditis caused by bacteria
- 3. Chronic pericarditis
- 4. Pericarditis secondary to other diseases
- 5. Pericarditis with stroke
- 6. Constrictive pericarditis
Pericarditis corresponds to the inflammation of the membrane that lines the heart, the pericardium, resulting in a lot of chest pain, mainly. This inflammation can have several causes, most often resulting from infections.
Due to the different causes and types of pericarditis, treatment should be done according to each case, being normally performed at home with rest and use of painkillers indicated by the doctor. Understand what pericarditis is and how to identify it.
The treatment of pericarditis depends on its cause, course of the disease and complications that may arise. Thus, the treatment that can be established by the cardiologist are usually:
1. Acute pericarditis caused by viruses or without known cause
This type of pericarditis is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, which is the tissue that surrounds the heart, due to virus infection or some other condition that could not be identified.
Thus, the treatment established by the cardiologist aims to alleviate the symptoms, being recommended:
- Painkillers, which are indicated to relieve those in the body; Antipyretics, which aim to reduce fever; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which should be taken according to the doctor's guidance, with high doses usually being recommended for two weeks; gastric protection, in case the patient has stomach pain or ulcers; Colchicine, which should be added to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and maintained for one year as a prevention of disease recurrence. Learn more about colchicine.
In addition, it is of utmost importance that the patient remains at rest until the symptoms subside and the inflammation is controlled or resolves.
2. Pericarditis caused by bacteria
In this case, the inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the heart is caused by bacteria and, therefore, the treatment is done mainly with the use of antibiotics in order to eliminate the bacteria.
In addition to the use of antibiotics, the cardiologist may recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, in the most severe cases, hospitalization, drainage of the pericardium or surgical removal.
3. Chronic pericarditis
Chronic pericarditis is caused by slow and gradual inflammation of the pericardium, and symptoms are often not noticed. Learn more about chronic pericarditis.
Treatment for this type of pericarditis is usually done with the aim of relieving symptoms, such as the use of diuretic drugs that help eliminate excess fluids. In addition, depending on the cause and progression of the disease, the use of immunosuppressive medication or surgery to remove the pericardium may be indicated by the physician.
4. Pericarditis secondary to other diseases
When pericarditis occurs due to some disease, treatment is done according to its cause, and is usually recommended by the doctor:
- Non-hormonal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as Ibuprofen; Colchicine, which can be taken alone or associated with NSAID, depending on the medical recommendation. It can be used in the initial treatment or in recurrence crises; Corticosteroids, which are usually indicated in cases of connective tissue diseases, uremic pericarditis, and in cases that have not responded to Colchicine or NSAIDs.
5. Pericarditis with stroke
This type of pericarditis is characterized by the slow accumulation of fluid in the pericardium and, therefore, the treatment is done by means of pericardial puncture to extract the accumulated fluid, reducing inflammatory signs.
6. Constrictive pericarditis
In this type of pericarditis there is the development of a tissue, similar to a scar, in the pericardium, which can result, in addition to inflammation, in obstruction and calcifications, interfering with the normal functioning of the heart.
The treatment for this type of pericarditis is done with:
- Anti tuberculosis drugs, which must be started before surgery and maintained for 1 year; Medicines that improve cardiac function; Diuretic medications; Surgery to remove the pericardium.
It is important to note that surgery, especially in cases of pericarditis associated with other heart diseases, should not be postponed, as patients with major limitations in heart function may be at greater risk of death and the benefit of surgery is less.
