The pericardium is a thin, fluid-filled sac that surrounds the heart and helps to keep it in its proper position. In some cases, this sac becomes inflamed from infection or injury and may need to be removed through surgery.
What is pericardial disease?
Pericardial disease refers to any inflammation of the pericardium, including myopericarditis, chirrhosis, cancer of the outer lining (peritoneum), or infection. Pericarditis is also sometimes called “tuberculous peritonitis” as tuberculosis is a common cause of this type of illness.
What causes pericardial disease?
Pericarditis is an inflamation of the sac surrounding the heart. This can occur due to infection or injury to the sac. pericardial disease in New Jersey can be present during some forms of pericarditis but is usually absent.
How do people get this condition?
Pericarditis is caused by inflammation of the pericardium and may be caused by a bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic infection. Peritonitis may occur in cancer patients with an adjacent organ that has been damaged or removed such as lung and bowel. Pericarditis can also occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Tips to help prevent pericarditis
Pericarditis is a rare but serious condition, and sometimes life threatening, so it’s important to recognise the signs of this condition, especially if you have a heart condition or are at risk of developing heart disease.
Pericarditis can cause your chest to feel tight, sore and uncomfortable. You may also experience fever, chills, sweating and chest pain that feels similar to a heart attack.
Tips to help prevent peritonitis
Peritonitis is an infection of the peritoneum and is usually associated with the intestines that can be life-threatening if not caught early. It’s important to have regular medical check-ups so your doctor can monitor any signs of this condition.
Peritonitis symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and discomfort or pain in the abdomen or lower back area. Other symptoms may include swelling over one or more areas of the abdomen as well as loss of appetite, low energy levels or fatigue.
What can be done to prevent this condition?
Prevention is the best medicine, as it’s impossible to cure pericarditis once it occurs. If a person has a history of heart disease and other underlying health issues, they should avoid high-risk activities such as horse riding or contact sports.
Is there a cure?
Sometimes surgery is needed to drain excess fluid around the heart. In some types of pericarditis such as tuberculous peritonitis or myopericarditis, draining the fluid can decrease symptoms and shorten hospital stays. Peritonitis may eventually heal on its own, especially if not treated promptly or it has been caught early on, though some patients require surgery during their recovery phase.