Pericarditis history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Rapidity of Symptom Onset== | ==Rapidity of Symptom Onset== | ||
The rapidity of onset | The rapidity of symptom onset may provide insight into the underlying etiology of [[pericarditis]]. For example, pericarditis associated with both [[uremia]] and [[tuberculosis]] develops more slowly and can be undetectable until it presents as a [[fever of unknown origin]]. On the other hand, both [[bacterial]] and [[viral]] pericarditis develop rapidly and can present as rapidly increasing [[pain]] over several hours. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 17:55, 3 December 2012
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Pericarditis Microchapters |
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Pericarditis history and symptoms On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Patients with pericarditis commonly present with chest pain that changes with position, cough, fever, breathlessness, and fatigue.
Common Symptoms
- Chest pain is the most common symptom. It often radiates to the back and is relieved by sitting up and leaning forward and is worsened by lying down. Causes of pain include inflammation of the pericardium, phrenic nerves, and the nearby pleura. The pain is often initially sharp in nature, but it can be described as sticking, dull, aching, or pressure-like. Deep inspiration and cough can increase the pain so that the patient may sit upright for relief.
- Cough (either dry or productive)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Breathlessness
Less Common Symptoms
- Pain along the trapezius ridge(s), when present is very characteristic of pericarditis. The pain of myocardial infarction tends to involve the anterior precordium with radiation to the left arm.
- Palpitations
- Hiccup (rarely)
- Odynophagia with or without dysphagia
- Faintness and dizziness (uncommon unless cardiac tamponade is present)
- Abdominal pain (particularly in children)
Rapidity of Symptom Onset
The rapidity of symptom onset may provide insight into the underlying etiology of pericarditis. For example, pericarditis associated with both uremia and tuberculosis develops more slowly and can be undetectable until it presents as a fever of unknown origin. On the other hand, both bacterial and viral pericarditis develop rapidly and can present as rapidly increasing pain over several hours.