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Pericarditis is an infection of the pericardium, which is a membrane that surrounds the heart; it is caused by bacteria.
AnswerA small percentage of pericarditis is caused by a bacterial infection. Usually, the inflammation is caused by a virus. It can also be caused by a fungus. In most cases, the cause is unknown.
Pericarditis may also occur in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kidney failure, leukemia, HIV, or AIDS.
Other non-infection causes are:
heart attack
cancer that has spread from a nearby tumor
radiation treatment for some types of cancer
injury to your chest, esophagus, or heart
certain types of medicine which suppress your immune system
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoBecause the pericardium is inflamed and rubs against the heart. This produces a sound which a cardiologist looks for to diagnose the disease called a friction rub.
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What are the causes of acute pericarditis?
Infection with a virus, bacteria, or fungus--usually in the lungs and upper respiratory tract.
What pathological conditon does peritonitis pleurisy and pericarditis have in common?
Peritonitis, pleurisy, and pericarditis are conditions in which there is some type of inflammation. Peritonitis involves an inflammation of the peritoneum, and with pleurisy the lung membrane called the pleura becomes inflamed. Pericarditis is the swelling of the pericardium, a sac that is around the heart.
What is pericarditis?
If the pericardium becomes inflamed, a condition called pericarditis results. pericarditis may be caused by a variety of factors: trauma, viral or bacterial infection, tumors, and other factors.
What do you call a sharp sudden pain at the sternum radiating to the back of the shoulders and arms but decreases when erect or leaning forward?
pericarditis
Do some research on pleurisy peritonitis and pericarditis What are these conditions and how do they affect homeostasis in the body?
They are all inflammation of the outer lining of the laungs, abdominom and pelvis, and heart respectively...there serous membranes are basically damage thus causing the inflammation..
Can ankylosing spondylitis cause pericarditis?
It is difficult to say what causes what, but AS can be associated with pericarditis or vice versa.
What are the most common causes of pericarditis in children?
In children, the most common viruses that cause pericarditis are the adenovirus and the cocksackievirus (which is most likely to affect children during warmer weather).
How can the heart be affected by SLE?
Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart causes pericarditis ; inflammation of the heart itself causes myocarditis.
What is the leading cause of pericarditis in the elderly?
Malignancy or renal failure are the main causes of this disorder in the elderly.
What are the causes of acute pericarditis?
Infection with a virus, bacteria, or fungus--usually in the lungs and upper respiratory tract.
How does acute pericarditis present?
This form of the disease causes a sharp, severe pain that starts in the region of the breastbone.
Can you fly on an airplane if you have pericarditis?
Can you fly on airplane with pericarditis
What heart condition causes fever malaise chest pain that increases with inspiration or heartbeat dyspnea and tachycardia?
Pericarditis
What is pericarditis caused by a bacteria called?
It is called bacterial or purulent pericarditis.
What do laboratory results indicate about the causes of pericarditis?
Bacteria (staphylococcus aureus) is a sign of bacterial pericarditis. Excessive protein indicates systemic lupus erythematosus or heart attack. An elevated white blood cell count may indicate fungal infection.
Why are electrocardiograph and echocardiogram tests given to diagnose pericarditis?
To distinguish between pericarditis and a heart attack.
Is pericarditis a heart attack?
No. Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart; usually caused by an infection.
