Pericarditis is often mild and goes away on its own. Some cases, if not treated, can lead to chronic pericarditis and serious problems that affect your heart. It can take weeks or months to recover from pericarditis.
How do you get rid of pericarditis fast?
Treatment
- Pain relievers. Pericarditis pain can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others). ...
- Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare). This drug reduces inflammation in the body. ...
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are strong medications that fight inflammation.
Can pericarditis be permanent?
Some people with long-term (chronic) pericarditis develop permanent thickening and scarring of the pericardium, which prevents the heart from filling and emptying properly. This unusual complication often leads to severe swelling of the legs and abdomen and shortness of breath.
