Acute pericarditis
The most common symptom of acute pericarditis is chest pain.
Chest pain
Most people who have had acute pericarditis describe experiencing a sudden sharp pain usually behind their breastbone, on the left side of their body. Some people describe the pain as more like a dull ache or feeling of pressure.
The pain may also radiate up from your chest into your left shoulder and neck.
It is usually worse when coughing, eating and lying down. Sitting up or leaning forward will usually help relieve the pain.
The pain can range from mild to severe.
Additional symptoms
Depending on the underlying cause of your acute pericarditis, you may also experience:
- a mild fever, usually 38-39C (100.4-102.2F)
- shortness of breath while lying down
- fatigue
- nausea
- dry cough
- swelling of the legs or abdomen
Recurring pericarditis
Recurring pericarditis is when you experience frequent episodes of acute pericarditis.
There are two main types of recurring pericarditis:
- Incessant pericarditis is where the symptoms of acute pericarditis develop once medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are withdrawn. Symptoms usually begin within six weeks of the treatment being withdrawn.
- Intermittent pericarditis is where you will go for long periods without any symptoms (often many months or sometimes years) before symptoms return without warning.
When to seek medical advice
Always seek immediate medical advice if you experience sudden chest pains. While most cases of pericarditis are not serious, it is important that other more serious conditions are ruled out, such as a heart attack or a blood clot.
Visit your local accident and emergency (A&E) department or telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 as soon as possible.
