Question 1

how is drug/alcohol-induced myocardtitis (i.e. non-viral and non-autoimmune) treated? what's the danger in misdiagnosing it as pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Myo: Means damage to muscle structure, peri means fluid around heart. You abstain from chemicals and with time, medications, there may be improvement.

Question 2

what is pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Inflamation: Inflamation of the membranes of the sac that encloses the heart and part of the major heart vessels. The sac is called the pericardium or sac around the cardium or heart.

Question 3

what causes pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis: Pericarditis is inflammation of the tissue covering of the heart. It is commonly caused by viruses and sometimes other infections or inflammatory diseases. There are other causes also. The viral form generally goes away itself but can recur. Other forms may need special treatment like drainage of the pericardial sac to remove fluid if it interferes with heart function.

Question 4

is pericarditis inherited?

Accepted Answer

No: There are many causes of pericarditis, usually infectious or immunologic in origin, with therapy dictated by the underlying cause.  But it is not thought to be a heritable condition.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

is pericarditis communicable?

Accepted Answer

Generally not: Usually pericarditis is an inflammatory condition that occurs after heart attack or heart surgery. It can also occur with certain inflammatory or auto-immune conditions such as lupus and certain types of arthritis. Infection (which is theoretically contagious) is a less common cause and does not usually spread to other people in most circumstances.

Question 8

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 9

how long does pericarditis last?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis: It varies with the cause and how quickly the patient responds to treatment.

Question 10

what are symptoms of pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Position/breathing: Pericarditis is an inflammation of the tissue sac that surrounds the heart.
 Any maneuver that causes the heart to shift inside the irritated pericardium will make the pain worse.
 Typically is a quite sharp pain that is worsened with deep breathing, and sometimes made better when leaning forward.
 Ecg can demonstrate findings which will support the diagnosis of pericarditis.

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A member asked:

How is drug/alcohol-induced myocardtitis (i.e. non-viral and non-autoimmune) treated? what's the danger in misdiagnosing it as pericarditis?

A member asked:

What is pericarditis?

A member asked:

What causes pericarditis?

A member asked:

Is pericarditis inherited?

A member asked:

How common is pericarditis?

A member asked:

What can cause pericarditis?

A member asked:

Is pericarditis communicable?

A member asked:

How can you treat pericarditis?

A member asked:

How long does pericarditis last?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of pericarditis?

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