Strategies For Treating Pericarditis

Pain Relief Medication

Pain relief medication is necessary in nearly all cases of pericarditis. For mild cases, ibuprofen and other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may be effective. Most doctors recommend patients take six to eight hundred milligrams of ibuprofen up to three times a day. The ibuprofen should be taken in this way for two weeks, and patients may then discontinue it if their pain has resolved. For moderate to severe pain, prescription pain relievers, including narcotic medications, may be needed. Cardiologists often advise patients to take colchicine with ibuprofen. Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory that can reduce the duration of pericarditis, and it may also lower a patient's risk of developing a future episode of the condition. Patients with kidney disease or liver problems should not take colchicine, and they may be prescribed an alternate medication. While taking pain relievers, patients should always report any new pain to their physicians, and they may wish to keep a symptom diary to share at their medical appointments.

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Pericardiocentesis

Pericardiocentesis is an emergency intervention used to treat cardiac tamponade, one of the possible complications of pericarditis. Cardiac tamponade develops when an excessive amount of fluid accumulates within the pericardium, and a pericardiocentesis drains the excess fluid. Doctors may use ultrasounds and echocardiograms to monitor the heart during the procedure. After numbing the skin near the breastbone with a local anesthetic, the doctor will insert a needle into the pericardium. While inserting the needle, the clinician will use live imaging to ensure the needle reaches the correct location. Next, the needle will be withdrawn and replaced with a catheter, which will be attached to a bag outside the body, and fluid from the pericardium will drain into the bag. The drainage may continue for several days, and patients will be closely monitored during this time. Occasionally, it may not be possible for the doctor to drain enough fluid from the pericardium with this technique. If this happens, a pericardial window may be performed instead. This involves making a small incision in the pericardium, and the fluid drains into the chest cavity.

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