PERICARDITIS
Categories:
Circulatory System
This is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac
containing the heart.
Primary or First Causes. They refer in this disease to a peculiar
constitution. Children that have a tuberculous constitution are more
liable to this disease. Acute rheumatism or tonsilitis are the causes and
this trouble follows or goes with them. Infectious diseases also cause it.
Symptoms. Slight pain in the heart region,
ever moderate. These subside
or effusion may set in and this usually occurs with acute rheumatism,
tuberculosis and septicemia. Sometimes these symptoms are absent.
Treatment of Pericarditis. The patient must rest quietly in bed and a
doctor should be in attendance. An ice bag placed over the heart
frequently gives relief and quiets the distress and pain. There is apt to
be liquid in the sac (pericardium) and to lessen the tendency to this
there should not be much drink or liquid food taken. There should be what
is called a dry diet. (See Nursing Department for this.)