Question 1

is there a possible connection between pericarditis and pinched nerve(s) in your back? had peri 8 weeks ago and my back/rib cage still hurt pretty bad

Accepted Answer

Yes it is a possible: That there could be referred pain or that you may have some muscular pain or myalgias from your infection in that region. It could also be just muscular pain from being inactive while you were sick.  The other remote possibility is that the infection may have spread to the spine if it was a bacterial infection so if the pain is increasing or persisting tell your physician.

Question 2

how common is pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis: It is a common condition. It is sometimes difficult to diagnosed if it is mild. We often suspect but cannot confirm it is pericarditis. The confirmed cases are usually those more severe.

Question 3

what can cause pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis: Long list of causes but i will limit to:  
most common: viral, metabolic (kidney disease - uremic), after myocardial infarction or open heart surgery.
Less common: bacterial infection, tuberculosis etc...

Question 4

how can you treat pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDS: Pericarditis is inflamation. Of the sack around the heart . Anti-inflamatories such as Motrin are helpful. Steroids are used in severe cases. Colchicine has been shown to help in some cases.

Question 5

is weed grit a cause of pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Pericaditis: I do not think weed grit causes pericarditis.

Question 6

what are the core symptoms of pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain, fatigue: The usual symptoms of pericarditis include sharp chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and possibly exercise intolerance. If the process is acute, or sudden onset (often from an infectious etiology), you may also have signs of infection such as fever, headache, muscle aches/pains, etc.

Question 7

is pericarditis considered a chronic condition?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis: No, pericarditis is generally not considered to be a chronic condition but it can recur in about 15-30% of people who have so-called acute, idiopathic (unknown cause) pericarditis that previously responded to treatment.

Question 8

how can you prevent pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis: Simple. You can't :-)
it's an inflammatory process...

Question 9

what is constrictive pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis: Constrictive pericarditis involves stiffening/thickening/hardening of the pericardium or "heart sack". This can be caused by many disease processes. Constrictive pericarditis results in restricting the filling of the heart which in turn may cause shortness of breath, swelling etc..

Question 10

can you fly if you have pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Are you talking about an active inflammation, on medications, fluid around the heart, any symptoms? It all depends on how severe is the pericarditis. Probably don't fly if symptomatic. Commercial flights are pressurized to about 6000ft altitude of denver, co. That may or may not cause symptoms.

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A member asked:

Is there a possible connection between pericarditis and pinched nerve(s) in your back? had peri 8 weeks ago and my back/rib cage still hurt pretty bad

A member asked:

How common is pericarditis?

A member asked:

What can cause pericarditis?

A member asked:

How can you treat pericarditis?

A member asked:

Is weed grit a cause of pericarditis?

A member asked:

What are the core symptoms of pericarditis?

A member asked:

Is pericarditis considered a chronic condition?

A member asked:

How can you prevent pericarditis?

A member asked:

What is constrictive pericarditis?

A member asked:

Can you fly if you have pericarditis?

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