Pericarditis or inflammation of the pericardium is a disease in which the thin, double-layered sac that surrounds and protects the heart becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause severe chest pain that usually occurs when the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other. It occurs in the thin double layer that surrounds the heart. This bag, which has a small amount of fluid between its layers, is responsible for maintaining and protecting the heart and by creating a smooth movement between it, it prevents layer friction. It occurs suddenly and causes similar symptoms. Weeks to several months It subsides, but in some cases it may recur in the form of frequent and prolonged attacks.. Pericarditis Pericarditis or inflammation of the sac around the heart is divided into different types based on the underlying cause and duration of the disease: - **Acute pericarditis:** This type of pericarditis appears suddenly and with severe symptoms... In acute pericarditis, the symptoms appear quickly and usually resolve within a few weeks. found.. Symptoms and inflammation in chronic pericarditis appear gradually and may last more than six months.. Acute pericarditis occurs after several episodes... and no specific cause is found for it.... - **Traumatic pericarditis:** This type of pericarditis occurs after an injury to the chest, such as a severe impact in a car accident, and its symptoms may be delayed... Material inflammation caused by cancer cells... Symptoms of pericarditis What is it? Pericarditis is usually accompanied by chest pain, which is the most common symptom.. The pain is often sharp and intermittent and may be relieved by bending forward, while coughing, swallowing, deep breathing, or lying down, especially flat, can make it worse. Other symptoms associated with pericarditis include: - Fever and chills - Dry cough - Feeling weak or very tired - Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats Shortness of breath, especially when lying down - Swelling in the legs and ankles, especially in severe cases... - Pain in the back, neck or left shoulder... - Feeling dizzy or lightheaded. - Excessive anxiety or worry - Swelling in the abdomen What is the cause of pericarditis? Pericarditis has various causes, which in many cases are not precisely determined. In about 90% of patients, the underlying cause of pericarditis remains unknown. Some of the common causes of pericarditis are: - **Infections:** Viral (such as digestive viruses), bacterial (such as tuberculosis), fungal and parasitic infections can cause pericardial inflammation... - **Autoimmune diseases:** Diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma are associated with an increased risk of pericarditis... turning into pericarditis... - **Organ failure:** Kidney failure is one of the most common causes. Pericarditis is.... - **Tumours:** Tumors can cause malignant lymphoma.... Genetic diseases such as familial Mediterranean fever are associated with an increased risk of pericarditis.... - **Drugs:** Some drugs, especially immunosuppressive drugs, can cause pericarditis... Factors that increase the risk of pericarditis: - Heart attack - Open heart surgery - Cardiac catheterization Diagnosis of pericarditis Diagnosing pericarditis is often challenging due to the similarity of its symptoms with other heart diseases. The doctor usually makes the initial diagnosis by physical examination and listening to the heart sounds. To confirm the diagnosis and examine the patient's condition more accurately, various diagnostic tests are requested, including ECG, echocardiography. Side effects. Cardiac catheterization and blood tests should be prescribed.. MRI and CT scans provide detailed images of the heart and the sac around it and help diagnose inflammation, thickening of the pericardium and the presence of excess fluid used in the cardia.. Pressures and diagnosis of systolic pericarditis.. Blood tests to check for infection, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory markers are also important in the diagnosis and treatment of pericarditis. How is pericarditis treated? Pericarditis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers to reduce inflammation and control symptoms. These drugs include steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and colchicine. In cases where bacterial or fungal infection is the cause of pericarditis, antibiotics and antifungal drugs are also prescribed. Depending on the severity of the inflammation and the causative agent, usually through the causative agent of the heart, the amount and type of medication varies. The femoral or brachial artery enters the pericardium and the excess fluid is drained. If the pericarditis is constrictive, a pericardectomy may be needed to remove the entire pericardial layer. These procedures are usually used when other treatments fail to effectively control symptoms. Choosing the right treatment method based on the severity and type of pericarditis is diagnosed by a specialist doctor.