What medication should I take for pericarditis? 5 ways to quickly treat it at home

Pericarditis is the inflammation or swelling of the membrane surrounding the heart, causing chest pain, discomfort, and anxiety due to its easy confusion with other dangerous cardiovascular diseases. According to medical statistics, pericarditis is one of the fairly common causes of acute chest pain in adults, but most cases can be effectively treated if detected early and managed properly.

What worries many people most is that the pain often appears suddenly, can be sharp in the chest, and becomes more pronounced with deep breathing or changes in posture. Many people are confused, wondering if this is a sign of a heart attack or another serious cardiovascular problem.

In this article, Tiptory will help you understand the causes of pericarditis, methods for treating pericarditis, ways to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, and important notes to support recovery and long-term cardiovascular health.

Pericarditis: What You Need to Know

Most cases of pericarditis improve on their own

• The majority of cases of mild acute pericarditis will gradually recover with adequate rest.
• During treatment, strenuous activities such as running, lifting heavy objects, or high-intensity sports should be limited.
• Only return to normal daily activities and exercise when symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath have completely disappeared and with your doctor's approval.

Proper pain and discomfort relief

• Some over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce chest pain due to pericarditis as directed by healthcare professionals.
• Many people feel more comfortable when sitting upright or leaning slightly forward.
• Avoid lying on your back if this position worsens the pain.

Use medication as prescribed by your doctor

• If symptoms persist or do not improve, your doctor may prescribe specific medications.
• Colchicine is often used to reduce inflammation and limit the risk of recurrence.
• In some special cases, doctors may prescribe prednisone or other anti-inflammatory drugs to control inflammation more effectively.
• Do not self-medicate or change dosages without medical advice.

Monitor for pericarditis complications

• Although uncommon, some people may experience complications related to pericardial disease.
• These complications can affect the normal functioning of the heart if not treated promptly.
• In severe cases, doctors may consider interventional or surgical methods to address complications and protect heart function.

When to seek immediate medical attention?

• Severe or persistent chest pain that does not subside.
• Increasing shortness of breath.
• Dizziness, fainting, or abnormal heart palpitations.
• Symptoms recurring after previous treatment.

Early detection and proper treatment help control pericarditis, reduce the risk of complications, and support faster heart recovery.

Part 1: How to relieve pericarditis pain at home

Method 1: Recognize pericarditis symptoms

Pay attention to early warning signs of pericarditis

• Acute pericarditis attacks often appear suddenly and last for a short period.
• The most common symptom is chest pain, often feeling sharp, stabbing, or like a pressure in the middle or left side of the chest.
• The pain can radiate to one or both shoulders, leading many people to confuse it with a heart attack or other dangerous cardiovascular conditions.
• Early recognition of symptoms helps you get timely examination and treatment, reducing the risk of complications affecting the heart.

Chest pain increases with changes in posture or breathing

• The pain can become more pronounced when lying on your back.
• Deep breathing, coughing, or chest movements can also intensify the pain.
• Many people feel more comfortable when sitting up or leaning slightly forward.

Feeling of chest tightness or pressure in the chest

• In addition to sharp pain, some cases only experience a dull ache, heavy chest, or a feeling of pressure in the chest.
• This symptom can be continuous or appear in episodes.

Fever and body weakness

• Patients may have a low-grade to moderate fever due to the inflammatory reaction in the body.
• Fatigue, lack of energy, or weakness are also common during the active phase of the disease.

Shortness of breath and palpitations

• Shortness of breath can occur with exertion or even at rest.
• Some people experience a rapid heartbeat, skipped beats, or unusual palpitations.

Persistent cough of unknown cause

• A dry cough or persistent cough can occur along with other symptoms of pericarditis.
• If a cough is accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention early for accurate assessment.

Persistent fatigue

• The body can quickly become exhausted even with daily activities.
• This condition is often related to the inflammatory process and affects the heart's normal function.

If you experience severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms resembling a heart attack, go to a medical facility immediately for emergency care and accurate diagnosis.

Method 2: Proper rest for pericarditis

Take adequate rest to help the heart recover

• Most cases of mild pericarditis can significantly improve with proper rest.
• If you suspect a pericarditis pain episode, sit or lie in a comfortable position and limit all physical activity until symptoms subside.
• Rest helps reduce stress on the heart, aids in controlling inflammation, and promotes the body's natural healing process.

Avoid strenuous activities during treatment

• Do not run, go to the gym, play high-intensity sports, or carry heavy objects while experiencing symptoms.
• Overexertion can worsen chest pain, shortness of breath, or inflammation.
• Limiting activity also helps reduce the risk of recurrent acute pericarditis episodes.

Continue resting if you have a fever

• If the pain is accompanied by fever, the body needs more time to fight the inflammation.
• Prioritize getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding overwork during this period.
• Monitor your body temperature and any unusual symptoms to promptly inform your doctor if the condition does not improve.

Only return to normal activities when symptoms have resolved

• Do not rush back to daily activities as soon as you feel better.
• Only gradually increase your activity level when there are no longer signs of pericarditis such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fever.
• In some cases, your doctor may recommend a longer rest period depending on the severity of the illness and the rate of recovery.

Proper rest is one of the simple but effective measures to control pericarditis, reduce uncomfortable symptoms, and support safe heart recovery.

Method 3: Relieve pericarditis pain with over-the-counter medications

Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed

• If you have previously been diagnosed with pericarditis, your doctor may recommend using some over-the-counter pain relievers when symptoms recur.
• These medications can help reduce chest pain, inflammation, and improve discomfort while waiting for the inflammation to subside.
• However, medication should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, especially for people with cardiovascular disease, stomach problems, or who are taking other medications.

Commonly used medications

• Some anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen are often used to help control the symptoms of pericarditis.
• These medications work to reduce the inflammatory response and help patients feel more comfortable.
• Treatment effectiveness may vary depending on the cause of the disease and the severity of the inflammation.

Adhere strictly to the recommended dosage

• Always use medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as directed on the product label.
• Do not arbitrarily increase the dose or prolong the duration of use as this may increase the risk of side effects.
• If symptoms do not improve or worsen after taking medication, contact a medical facility for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Important notes when taking pain relievers

• People with a history of peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney disease, or allergies to anti-inflammatory drugs should consult a doctor before use.
• Pain relievers should not be considered the only treatment solution, as pericarditis treatment needs to be based on the cause of the disease and the actual extent of damage.
• If signs such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormally rapid heartbeat, or fainting appear, seek immediate medical attention.

Proper use of pain relievers can temporarily control the symptoms of pericarditis, but patients should still be monitored and treated according to their doctor's instructions to ensure cardiovascular health and safety.

Method 4: Change posture to relieve pericarditis pain

Adjust posture when chest pain occurs

• Some people with pericarditis find that the pain can vary depending on body posture.
• When symptoms appear, try sitting upright or leaning slightly forward.
• This posture can help reduce pressure on the inflamed pericardium, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort.

Prefer a sitting position over lying down

• Many people find that chest pain due to pericarditis subsides when sitting or leaning back at an elevated angle.
• If rest is needed, you can use extra pillows to elevate your upper body instead of lying completely flat.
• Maintaining an appropriate posture can help you feel more comfortable and breathe easier during the active phase of the illness.

Note postures that may worsen symptoms

• Lying on your back often makes the pain more pronounced for many patients.
• Deep breathing can also increase pain as the pericardial layers rub more during respiration.
• If you notice a certain posture worsening symptoms, change your posture immediately and monitor your body's reaction.

Combine postural changes with other care measures

• Changing posture only provides temporary symptom relief and does not replace pericarditis treatment.
• It is advisable to combine adequate rest, adherence to medication instructions, and follow-up appointments with your doctor.
• If chest pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, seek early medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Choosing the right posture can help alleviate discomfort from pericarditis, while also helping patients function more easily during recovery.

Method 5: Reduce the risk of pericarditis recurrence

Early treatment as soon as symptoms appear

• In many cases, pericarditis cannot be completely prevented due to the diverse causes of the disease.
• However, early detection and treatment can help reduce the risk of the disease progressing or recurring in the future.
• If you experience signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or unexplained fever, seek medical attention as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis.

Adhere strictly to the treatment regimen

• Take medication in the correct dosage and for the correct duration as prescribed by your doctor.
• Do not arbitrarily stop medication as soon as symptoms subside, as the inflammation may not be fully controlled yet.
• Adhering to treatment helps reduce the risk of recurrent pericarditis and limits complications affecting heart function.

Maintain regular medical follow-up

• Follow up appointments to allow your doctor to assess the recovery process and detect any abnormalities early.
• Some cases may require regular tests or cardiac evaluations to monitor inflammation and heart function.
• Long-term monitoring is particularly important for those who have experienced recurrent pericarditis multiple times or are at risk of progressing to chronic pericarditis.

Actively prevent complications

• Closely monitor for unusual symptoms such as persistent chest pain, worsening shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or severe fatigue.
• Inform your doctor if symptoms reappear after completing treatment.
• Timely intervention helps reduce the risk of heart-related complications and enhances long-term treatment effectiveness.

While pericarditis cannot always be completely prevented, early treatment, adherence to the regimen, and regular health monitoring are crucial steps to reduce the risk of recurrence and protect cardiovascular health in the long run.

Part 2: Pericarditis treatment protocol and medications

Method 1: See a doctor for accurate diagnosis

Go to a medical facility immediately if you suspect pericarditis

• Only a doctor can accurately determine if you have pericarditis.
• If symptoms persist, do not improve after rest or home care measures, schedule an appointment soon.
• Timely examination helps differentiate pericarditis from other dangerous conditions such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis, or other cardiovascular disorders.

Actively describe all symptoms thoroughly

• Tell your doctor all the signs you are experiencing, especially chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fever.
• Describe the pain specifically, such as sharp pain, dull ache, throbbing pain, or a feeling of pressure in the chest.
• Let your doctor know the location of the pain, its intensity, and whether the pain radiates to the shoulders, neck, back, or arms.
• Clearly state factors that alleviate or worsen symptoms, such as changes in posture, activity, or deep breathing.

Inform your doctor about previously adopted measures

• Share with your doctor the methods you have used to reduce symptoms.
• This includes rest, changes in posture, or the use of pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs, if applicable.
• This information helps the doctor assess the effectiveness of initial treatment and develop a more suitable treatment plan.

Answer all questions about your medical history thoroughly

• Your doctor may ask about recent illnesses or health issues to find the cause of pericarditis.
• Some common questions include:
  • Have you recently had the flu, a respiratory infection, or a viral infection?
  • Have you ever had a heart attack or cardiovascular disease?
  • Have you ever had a chest injury?
  • Do you have an autoimmune disease, kidney disease, or other chronic conditions?
• Answering truthfully and completely will help the diagnosis process be faster and more accurate.

Do not delay your examination

• If your chest pain is prolonged, increasingly severe, or accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, seek medical attention immediately.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for controlling pericarditis, limiting complications, and supporting effective heart recovery.

Early examination not only helps identify the cause of symptoms but also creates conditions for timely treatment of pericarditis, reducing the risk of recurrence and protecting long-term cardiovascular health.

Method 2: Treating pericarditis with Colchicine

Use colchicine as prescribed by your doctor

• Your doctor may prescribe colchicine to treat acute pericarditis or cases of recurrent disease.
• This drug helps reduce inflammatory responses in the body, thereby aiding in the control of symptoms related to the pericardium.
• Colchicine is often used in combination with other treatment methods to enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of disease recurrence.

Colchicine helps reduce symptoms and limit recurrence

• The medication can help shorten the duration of symptoms such as chest pain, chest discomfort, and fatigue.
• Proper treatment with colchicine also helps reduce the risk of recurrent pericarditis, a common condition in some patients.
• Treatment effectiveness will depend on the cause of the disease, the severity of inflammation, and the individual's response.

Not everyone is suitable for colchicine use

• Colchicine may not be safe for people with liver or kidney disease.
• Individuals with impaired liver or kidney function need careful evaluation by a doctor before using the medication.
• Absolutely do not self-medicate or use colchicine without a prescription from a healthcare professional.

Inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking

• Some medications can interact with colchicine, increasing the risk of side effects or affecting treatment effectiveness.
• Before starting treatment, provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently using.
• Your doctor will check for potential drug interactions to choose a suitable and safer treatment option.

Adhere to instructions throughout the treatment process

• Take the medication at the correct dosage and for the prescribed duration.
• Do not arbitrarily stop or change the dosage without consulting your doctor.
• Follow up appointments as scheduled to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect any unwanted side effects early, if any.

Colchicine is one of the medications commonly used in the treatment of pericarditis, helping to reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and limit the risk of recurrence when used correctly according to medical guidelines.

Method 3: Treating pericarditis with Prednisone

Prednisone may be prescribed when symptoms are severe

• In some cases of pericarditis causing severe chest pain or significantly impacting daily activities, your doctor may prescribe prednisone.
• This is a corticosteroid drug that has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and helps control symptoms in the short term.
• Prednisone is usually considered when the treatment benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Use when other treatments are ineffective

• Your doctor may prescribe prednisone if the patient does not respond well to conventional treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine.
• The drug may also be used in cases where rapid control of inflammation is needed to prevent symptoms from worsening.
• The choice of prednisone will be based on the individual's specific health condition and the underlying cause of the illness.

Supports control of recurrent pericarditis

• For some cases of recurrent pericarditis, prednisone may be used to control symptom flare-ups.
• However, doctors usually carefully consider before prescribing, as prolonged use of corticosteroids can increase the risk of recurrence after discontinuing the drug in some patients.

Strictly follow your doctor's instructions

• Take the medication at the correct dosage and for the prescribed duration.
• Do not arbitrarily increase, decrease, or suddenly stop the medication.
• Improper discontinuation of corticosteroids can affect the body and cause symptoms to return.

Monitor for side effects during treatment

• During prednisone use, your doctor may request regular follow-up appointments to monitor treatment effectiveness and any unwanted side effects.
• Immediately inform your doctor if any unusual symptoms or changes in health status occur during medication use.
• This helps ensure that pericarditis treatment is safer and more effective.

Prednisone is often used in cases of pericarditis with severe symptoms, recurrence, or unresponsiveness to other treatments. Medication use needs to be closely monitored by a doctor to achieve optimal effectiveness and minimize risks.

Method 4: Surgery when pericarditis causes complications

Surgical intervention when severe complications occur

• Although most cases of pericarditis can be treated with medication and rest, some patients may experience dangerous complications requiring surgical intervention.
• The two most common severe complications are acute cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis.
• If these complications occur, your doctor will assess and choose the appropriate treatment method to protect heart function and prevent long-term consequences.

Acute cardiac tamponade due to fluid accumulation around the heart

• This condition occurs when too much fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, putting pressure on the heart.
• Increased pressure can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively to the body's organs.
• Patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure, dizziness, severe fatigue, or chest pain.
• This is a medical emergency that requires timely management.

Constrictive pericarditis

• This is a condition of chronic pericarditis, causing the pericardium to thicken, fibrose, and lose its elasticity.
• This rigid layer can restrict the heart's normal ability to expand during blood pumping.
• Patients may experience leg swelling, prolonged shortness of breath, fatigue, or reduced exercise capacity.

Pericardiocentesis

• This is a procedure that uses a needle or small catheter to drain excess fluid from the pericardial space.
• The goal is to relieve the pressure on the heart and improve blood circulation.
• This method is often applied in cases of pericardial effusion or acute cardiac tamponade.

Pericardiectomy

• This surgery aims to remove part or all of the pericardium that has thickened, fibrosed, or been damaged.
• This treatment method is often considered for prolonged constrictive pericarditis.
• After surgery, heart function can significantly improve in many patients.

Pericardial window surgery

• The surgeon will create a drainage opening in the pericardium to allow fluid to escape.
• This procedure helps reduce the amount of fluid accumulated around the heart and limits the risk of fluid re-accumulation in the future.
• This is an effective treatment option for cases of recurrent or prolonged pericardial effusion.

Post-operative monitoring

• After intervention, patients need regular follow-up appointments to assess the recovery process and heart function.
• Adhering to treatment guidelines, taking medication as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help reduce the risk of recurrent complications.
• Early detection of abnormal signs after surgery plays an important role in long-term recovery.

Although complications of pericarditis do not occur in the majority of patients, early recognition and timely treatment can help protect heart function, reduce the risk of heart failure, and improve quality of life.

Go to a medical facility immediately if you experience unexplained chest pain

Do not be complacent with any unusual chest pain

• If you experience unexplained chest pain, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Many people often think the pain is just a sign of fatigue or temporary discomfort, but it can also be a symptom of serious cardiovascular diseases.
• Early examination helps accurately determine the cause and reduces the risk of dangerous complications.

Chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack

• Some symptoms of pericarditis can be similar to myocardial infarction or other cardiac emergencies.
• Relying solely on the sensation of pain or its location is often not enough to accurately distinguish these conditions.
• Therefore, do not self-diagnose or delay seeking medical attention when unusual chest pain occurs.

Signs that require immediate emergency care

• Severe or prolonged chest pain that does not subside.
• A feeling of pressure, tightness, or burning in the chest.
• Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweats, dizziness, or nausea.
• Rapid heart rate, palpitations, or feeling faint.

Early diagnosis saves lives

• Specialized tests and examinations will help your doctor determine if the cause is pericarditis, a heart attack, or another health problem.
• Timely treatment can reduce the risk of heart damage and improve long-term prognosis.
• In acute cardiovascular diseases, the earlier the intervention, the higher the chance of recovery.

When experiencing unexplained chest pain, the safest choice is to go to a medical facility or call for emergency help immediately. Early check-up not only helps rule out the risk of myocardial infarction but also aids in detecting and treating pericarditis or other cardiovascular diseases effectively.

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Content edited by: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Emily Johnson.