Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium - the fluid filled sack surrounding the heart. While in the adult there are a number of known causes: after a heart attack; in association with diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosis (S. L. E.), in the young, where this is a disorder of adolescence, the majority are of unknown cause, though sometimes a viral infection is suspected. If there is rapid accumulation of fluid between the two layers of the pericardium - a condition called cardiac tamponade - then emergency treatment is required. If the accumulation of fluid is slow the condition may become chronic. The pain of pericarditis can be relieved by leaning forward, taking small breaths, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin.
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