pericaditis?

Question

developed pericarditis. Is there a test to show the cause of pericarditis? bacterial, fungus virial, which one? I take 1 capsule 3 times daily of indomethacin for one week. Can I drink beer with this medicine. Also can you take asprine i have been taking 325 mg

Answer 1

Often, the cause of pericarditis cannot be determined, in which case it is referred to as idiopathic pericarditis.
However, it is often a complication of a viral infection.
There are some lab tests that can be done which may help point to the cause:
*A complete blood count may show an eleveated white blood cell count, which is a marker for infection
*Blood culture
*ESR
*CRP
*Pericardiocentesis, with chemical analysis and pericardial fluid culture
If you do get any of these lab tests, be sure to tell your doctor and/or the lab staff that you take indomethacin.

To answer your question about indomethacin, you should drink alcohol only in moderation with this medication (ideally you should not drink at all). Drinking more than 3 alcoholic drinks a day may increase your risk for stomach bleeding.

In terms of aspirin, it can interact with your indomethacin, so I would not reccomend taking the two together without talking to your doctor first.

Answer 2

This really should've been in Heart Diseases.

Questions #1 & 2: Since pericarditis can be idiopathic (no apparent cause), caused by infection (bacterial, viral or fungal), MI, autoimune disorders, renal failure, chest trauma and drugs there are a number of tests that can be used to determine the cause. Signs and symptoms are also used to determine the likely cause as well as your medical history. In the case of possible infection, if there is effusion, pericardiocentesis can be performed and the fluid analyzed. Without effusion, blood cultures may be done.

Questions #3 & 4: Using alcohol or aspirin concurrently with Indocin can cause GI toxicity. Don't do it.

Answer 3

The cause of pericarditis can't always be determined, but its often caused by the immune system, a virus, or heart-related problems. Aspirin and beer should be avoided with this medicine, but an occasional beer is probably OK - you can call the pharmacist to find out.

Answer 4

Pericarditis is a serious,sometimes very dangerous condition,where the sac around the heart becomes inflamed,with excess fluid accumulation,resulting in the increased pressure and restriction of the sac,called Tamponade,changes in heart rhythm & perfusion. In order to diagnose the cause specific is very dangerous,expensive,and generally of little practical importance.It would mean iserting a needle in the chest,into the pericardium,drawing the fluid out with a syringe. You have been given the proper meds,please follow your MD's orders until you get better.I would take it easy,esp. with the beer,that could cause some excess body fluid retention. A complication you don't need.Take care. SW RNP