MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Pericarditis
Inflammation of the sac around the heart (the pericardium), often causing sharp chest pain. Most cases are viral and settle with treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections including tuberculosis
- Autoimmune diseases
- After a heart attack or heart surgery
- Kidney failure
Common symptoms
- Sharp chest pain, worse lying down
- Pain eased by sitting forward
- Breathlessness
- Low-grade fever
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
Tests & diagnosis
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- CRP
- ESR
- Chest X-ray
Treatment & management
- Rest and anti-inflammatory medicines
- Treating the underlying cause (infection, autoimmune disease)
- Medicines to reduce the chance of recurrence
- Draining fluid if a large collection builds up
- Hospital care for severe or complicated cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call emergency services for severe chest pain, fainting or very low blood pressure
- See a doctor for chest pain that changes with position or breathing
- Seek care for chest pain with fever or breathlessness
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about pericarditis. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How is pericarditis pain different?
It is often sharp, worse when lying flat or breathing in, and eased by sitting forward — but any chest pain should be assessed.
Does it come back?
It can recur in some people; medicines are used to lower that risk.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.