Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Difficulty In Lying Down And Walking. Had Pericarditis With Pleural Effusion.
I have had pericarditis with pleural effusion twice in the past year and now I am having symptoms again. I was not sick before my first diagnosis, second or now this one. My cardiologist is extremely busy and doesn t seem concerned with figuring out why this keeps happening (perhaps it isn t life threatening enough for her). It is a huge issue for me since I can t sleep lying down or walk across a room without almost falling down. Is there something I am doing wrong? How can I kick this for good? I am a 44yo female in fairly good shape and was in excellent health before the first episode.
Wed, 25 Jul 2012
User's Response
Dr. Tushar Sahasrabudhe's
Response
Hello.
Recurrent pericarditis and pleural effussion in a lady can be classically due to sarcoidosis or collagen vascular diseases. TB is always a possibility. What was your diagnosis last year? Was the fluid ever tapped? It would give a fair idea about diagnosis.
Pericardial effussion can cause compression of the heart and can be fatal.
If not done in past, I would suggest a pleural/ pericardial tapping (removal of fluid for examination) and make a firm diagnosis.
I feel akward to say this... but pericarditis can be life threatening and has to be attended timely. If your cardiologist is too busy, you can always obtain a second opinion from some other cardiologist!
-Dr. Tushar
Recurrent pericarditis and pleural effussion in a lady can be classically due to sarcoidosis or collagen vascular diseases. TB is always a possibility. What was your diagnosis last year? Was the fluid ever tapped? It would give a fair idea about diagnosis.
Pericardial effussion can cause compression of the heart and can be fatal.
If not done in past, I would suggest a pleural/ pericardial tapping (removal of fluid for examination) and make a firm diagnosis.
I feel akward to say this... but pericarditis can be life threatening and has to be attended timely. If your cardiologist is too busy, you can always obtain a second opinion from some other cardiologist!
-Dr. Tushar
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Pleural cavity
Loading Online Doctors....