Treatment
The treatment in viral or idiopathic pericarditis is with Aspirin, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as naproxen). Severe cases may require:
- pericardiocentesis to treat pericardial effusion/tamponade
- antibiotics to treat tuberculosis or other bacterial causes.
- steroids are used in acute pericarditis but are not favored because they increase the chance of recurrent pericarditis.
- colchicine is a very effective treatment option. If Aspirin and NSAIDs are not sufficient, colchicine should be added to the regimen.
- in rare cases, surgery
- in cases of constrictive pericarditis, pericardectomy
Read more about this topic: Pericarditis
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—Margaret Mead (1901–1978)