How is Acute Pericarditis Treated?
Treatment goals for acute pericarditis are to relieve symptoms and manage the underlying disease or condition that is causing the inflammation. Often, treatment of acute pericarditis is done in a hospital setting. Bed rest is an important component of recovery. To relieve chest pain and inflammation, nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be prescribed. If the pain is intense, your doctor may prescribe opioids, such as morphine or codeine, and if NSAIDS dont relieve your inflammation, corticosteroids, such as prednisone might then be used. Back Top Antibiotics will be prescribed if the underlying cause of acute pericarditis is a bacterial infection. Corticosteroids, like prednisone, will be given for autoimmune disorders, and if TB is detected, it will be treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs. If the underlying cause is viral, no further treatment is indicated and symptoms should clear in about a week. In some cases, the fluid in the pericardial s
