A common symptom of acute pericarditis is a sharp, stabbing chest pain, usually coming on quickly. It's often is in the middle or left side of the chest, and there may be pain in one or both shoulders. Show Sitting up and leaning forward tends to ease the pain, while lying down and breathing deep worsens it. Some people describe the pain as a dull ache or pressure in their chest. The chest pain may feel like a heart attack. If you experience chest pain, call 911 right away because you may be having a heart attack. Fever is another common symptom of acute pericarditis. Other symptoms are weakness, trouble breathing and coughing. Palpitations, which are feelings that your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering or beating too hard or too fast, may occur and can be a sign of deeper heart tissue involvement. Chronic pericarditis often causes tiredness, coughing and shortness of breath. Chest pain is sometimes absent with this type of pericarditis. Severe cases of chronic pericarditis can lead to swelling in the stomach, feet, ankles and legs and hypotension (low blood pressure). Complications of pericarditisTwo serious complications of pericarditis are cardiac tamponade and chronic constrictive pericarditis.
Diagnosing pericarditisA doctor diagnoses pericarditis based on your medical history, a physical exam and test results. Specialists involvedPrimary care doctors, such as a family doctor, internist or pediatrician, often diagnose and treat pericarditis. A cardiologist, pediatric cardiologist or infectious disease specialist may be involved, depending on the patient’s age and medical conditions. Medical historyYour doctor may ask whether you have had:
If you have chest pain (angina), your doctor will ask you to describe how it feels, where it's located and whether it's worse when you lie down, breathe or cough. Physical examWhen the pericardium is inflamed, the fluid between the sac's two layers of tissue increases. So your doctor will look for signs of excess fluid in your chest. A common sign is the pericardial rub. This is the sound of the pericardium rubbing against the outer layer of your heart. Your doctor will listen for this using a stethoscope. Your doctor may hear other chest sounds that are signs of fluid in the pericardium (pericardial effusion) or the lungs (pleural effusion). Both are more severe problems related to pericarditis. Diagnostic testsYour doctor may recommend tests to diagnose your condition and its severity. The most common tests are:
Learn more:
Support That EmpowersRecovery from a heart condition becomes so much more manageable when you have the right kind of emotional support. We’re an online community of patients, survivors and caregivers who know what you’re going through and can help you find your footing on the path to better health. Find encouragement Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Why do my lungs hurt when I lay on them?If you have pain, swelling and tenderness around your ribs, and the pain is made worse by lying down, breathing deeply, coughing or sneezing, you may have a condition called costochondritis. This is caused by inflammation in the joints between the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone (sternum).
Why does my left lung hurt at night?Pain in the left or right areas of the chest is a typical symptom of pleuritis, an illness that can cause fluid to build up around the lungs. Being in a flat position while sleeping can worsen the pain caused by inflammation of the lining around the lung.
Is it normal for your left lung to hurt?Left lung pain is a symptom that has many potential causes. The pain may often be related to nearby organs, such as the heart and stomach. Anyone experiencing left lung pain should seek prompt medical attention to ensure that the pain is not a symptom of a serious underlying condition.
How do I know if my lung pain is serious?It's important to seek immediate medical attention if you feel:. unexplained chest pain.. pressure, fullness, or tightness in your chest.. intense pain that spreads through your back, neck, jaw, shoulders, or your arm.. unexplained sweating.. dizziness, nausea, or weakness.. shortness of breath.. |