{"id":1019,"date":"2026-05-11T08:03:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T08:03:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/?p=1019"},"modified":"2026-10-13T20:08:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T20:08:50","slug":"what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/","title":{"rendered":"Pericarditis (Heart Lining Inflammation): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Pericarditis is a condition in which the protective membrane surrounding the heart like armor becomes inflamed, sensitive, and unable to fully perform its function. The most typical symptoms of pericarditis include sharp, stabbing chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and marked restlessness in children that increases when lying on the back. This condition, which usually develops after an infection, is characterized by irritation caused by the disruption of the slippery structure of the pericardium. From the perspective of pediatric cardiology, thanks to timely diagnosis and proper medication management, this inflammatory process in the pericardium can be controlled without leaving permanent damage, and the healthy working dynamics of the heart can be rapidly regained.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#What_Is_the_Pericardium_in_the_Human_Body_and_What_Does_It_Do\" >What Is the Pericardium in the Human Body and What Does It Do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#How_Does_the_Process_of_Pericarditis_Inflammation_of_the_Pericardium_Begin_in_Children\" >How Does the Process of Pericarditis (Inflammation of the Pericardium) Begin in Children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#What_Are_the_Causes_of_Pericarditis_in_Childhood\" >What Are the Causes of Pericarditis in Childhood?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#What_Are_the_Symptoms_of_Pericarditis_in_Children_of_Different_Age_Groups\" >What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis in Children of Different Age Groups?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#How_Is_Chest_Pain_Caused_by_Pericarditis_Distinguished_from_Others\" >How Is Chest Pain Caused by Pericarditis Distinguished from Others?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#Which_Methods_Confirm_the_Diagnosis_of_Pericarditis_in_Children\" >Which Methods Confirm the Diagnosis of Pericarditis in Children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#Which_Methods_Are_Used_in_the_Treatment_of_Pericarditis_in_Children\" >Which Methods Are Used in the Treatment of Pericarditis in Children?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#What_Serious_Problems_Can_Pericarditis_Cause_If_It_Does_Not_Heal\" >What Serious Problems Can Pericarditis Cause If It Does Not Heal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/what-is-pericarditis-what-are-the-symptoms-of-pericarditis\/#How_Does_the_Long-Term_Follow-up_Process_Work_for_a_Child_Who_Has_Had_Pericarditis\" >How Does the Long-Term Follow-up Process Work for a Child Who Has Had Pericarditis?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Pericardium_in_the_Human_Body_and_What_Does_It_Do\"><\/span>What Is the Pericardium in the Human Body and What Does It Do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The heart is located right in the middle of the chest cavity, in a highly protected and safe area surrounded by large lungs and the thick breastbone. However, the human body, with its magnificent functioning, does not protect this vital miraculous organ against external effects only with hard bones. Just outside the heart, there is a very strong yet flexible membrane that tightly surrounds it almost like a specially designed sheath. This structure, which acts as armor, is called the pericardium in medicine. This membrane is certainly not an ordinary, single-layered, simple tissue. On the outside, there is an extremely durable, fibrous, and firm layer that shows great resistance against impacts from outside, while on the inside there is a much thinner, delicate, and sensitive layer tightly attached to the heart muscle tissue. Between these two thin leaves, when our body health is completely normal, there is approximately one or two tablespoons of a special, ultra-filtered, very pure fluid. The function of this fluid is just like the oil of an advanced and perfectly working machine. As our heart contracts and relaxes hundreds of thousands of times every day, the membranes do not rub against each other thanks to this fluid. If this miraculous lubricating fluid did not exist at all, the membranes would constantly rub against each other, wear down very quickly, and the functioning of the heart would become incredibly difficult. Thanks to this perfect system, the heart continues its function in an extremely smooth and comfortable space, without rubbing against anything and without wasting its energy. The most vital functions of the membrane are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Lubrication<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Mechanical fixation<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Protective barrier<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Pressure balancing<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Preventing excessive expansion<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Preventing the spread of infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_the_Process_of_Pericarditis_Inflammation_of_the_Pericardium_Begin_in_Children\"><\/span>How Does the Process of Pericarditis (Inflammation of the Pericardium) Begin in Children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The condition we call pericarditis begins when this perfect and sensitive protective membrane surrounding our heart every second suddenly becomes inflamed due to any external virus or internal cause. Just as any tissue in our body visibly swells, reddens, and becomes extremely sensitive to touch when inflamed, a very similar inflammatory condition occurs in the pericardium inside our chest. As soon as the inflammatory process is rapidly triggered, the silky, soft, and slippery structure of the membrane begins to deteriorate quickly. The permeability of the capillaries in the area increases incredibly, and the cells responsible for the body\u2019s defense begin to migrate toward this area at great speed. During this defensive attack, sticky, firm substances called fibrin in medicine accumulate on the surface of the membrane, and that smooth surface becomes extremely rough and coarse, almost like sandpaper. Since the heart works nonstop throughout life, these two rough surfaces begin to rub against each other painfully with every contraction and relaxation. As the severity of inflammation increases within hours, normal fluid production between the membranes also goes out of control and increases greatly. The membrane continuously secretes fluid to clear this persistent inflammation, and this fluid begins to accumulate slowly in that narrow space around the heart. If this inflammatory fluid accumulates very slowly, the pericardium can gradually stretch and adapt perfectly to this condition, tolerating it for a long time without compressing the heart too much. The main formation stages of the disease are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Onset of inflammation<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Surface roughening<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Cellular migration<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Accumulation of sticky substance<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Increase in fluid production<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Formation of friction<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Increase in pressure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Causes_of_Pericarditis_in_Childhood\"><\/span>What Are the Causes of Pericarditis in Childhood?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The factors causing this inflammation of the pericardium in children vary very significantly according to the age group the child is in, how strongly the general immune system is working, and even the endemic characteristics of the geographical region where they live. Most of the time, families have great difficulty finding out what causes this challenging condition. In fact, a definite cause may not be found immediately in the first stage, even in the initial detailed blood tests, special tests, or radiological imaging. However, in today\u2019s medical practice, we know very well that the biggest, most common, and most usual culprit underlying this condition we encounter in children is simple viral infections. The child experiences a simple flu, cold, or ordinary infection affecting the gastrointestinal system while playing with friends at school, kindergarten, or outside. Although this illness appears to have completely healed from the outside, about one or two weeks after the infection, remnants of the viruses reach the pericardium through the blood and start a brand-new inflammation. Sometimes, while fighting the virus, the immune system becomes confused and may accidentally attack its own healthy pericardium. Pericarditis caused by bacteria, on the other hand, is a much more severe and noisy condition that we see especially in sensitive babies under the age of two, manifests with high fever, but fortunately is much rarer today. In addition, great attention should be paid to diseases passed from generation to generation through our genetic heritage. Especially in the Mediterranean basin, where our country is also located, some rheumatic febrile diseases that occur suddenly with genetic predisposition are very common. The main factors triggering the disease are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Viruses<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Bacteria<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Some rheumatological diseases (such as rheumatic fever, FMF, SLE)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Genetic predisposition<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Heart surgery<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Medication side effects<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Kidney diseases<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Chest traumas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Symptoms_of_Pericarditis_in_Children_of_Different_Age_Groups\"><\/span>What Are the Symptoms of Pericarditis in Children of Different Age Groups?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The way the disease makes itself felt, appears outwardly, and manifests in children is incredibly variable. The child\u2019s physical growth stage, ability to express themselves with words, whether they can speak or not, and the severity of the disease in the body directly determine the form of these symptoms. In school-age children and older adolescents, this condition actually has clinical features very similar to the troublesome process experienced by adult individuals. The most common reason why children in this age group are brought to emergency departments or outpatient clinics is severe chest pain that appears suddenly and frightens the child greatly. However, this pain is certainly not similar to pain caused by ordinary muscle strain, fatigue, or catching a cold. The child usually feels this pain right in the middle of the chest, behind the bone we call the breastbone, very deep inside. It is a very sharp, stabbing, literally knife-like, breath-stopping, and very disturbing pain. In infants and very young children who cannot yet explain their problem by speaking and cannot express themselves, things require much greater clinical attention and physician experience. Since a small baby cannot verbally express that their chest hurts or that something constantly stings inside while breathing, they give completely different bodily signals. The most important sign we encounter in the younger age group is an excessive state of restlessness that seems causeless and cannot be calmed even by rocking in the arms, or continuous crying without stopping. The most common symptoms of the disease in our clinical practice are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Chest pain<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Dry cough<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Feeling of weakness<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Shoulder pain<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Mild fever<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Loss of appetite<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Excessive restlessness<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Palpitations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Is_Chest_Pain_Caused_by_Pericarditis_Distinguished_from_Others\"><\/span>How Is Chest Pain Caused by Pericarditis Distinguished from Others?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In a very large proportion of children brought to the hospital by their parents with great concern due to chest pain, we actually do not find any structural or functional heart-related problem that poses a life-threatening risk. Most of the time, there are extremely innocent muscle pains related to making a wrong movement, carrying a very heavy schoolbag at school, sleeping in the wrong position at night, or simply a rapid growth period. However, the specific pain directly caused by inflammation of the pericardium has some very critical and easily distinguishable anatomical characteristics of its own. The strongest golden rule for distinguishing this pain from other simple, insignificant muscle pains is to look very carefully at the direct relationship between the pain and the child\u2019s body position. When a child with pericarditis lies flat on their back in bed, the heavier heart shifts toward the back of the chest cavity, and the inflamed, swollen membranes inside become more stretched. Likewise, when the child takes a deep breath, the lungs on both sides inflate well and exert serious mechanical pressure on the heart in the middle. In both of these special situations, the pain felt by the child instantly reaches unbearable levels. However, if the child slowly sits up in bed and leans slightly forward, the heart moves away from the front wall of the chest cavity with the beneficial effect of gravity. Thanks to this physical separation, the mechanical pressure on the membranes immediately decreases, and the child experiences a great relief in pain that can be described as magical and occurring within seconds. The main movements that trigger and increase the severity of the pain are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lying on the back<\/li>\n<li>Taking a deep breath<\/li>\n<li>Coughing<\/li>\n<li>Yawning<\/li>\n<li>Swallowing<\/li>\n<li>Touching the chest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Methods_Confirm_the_Diagnosis_of_Pericarditis_in_Children\"><\/span>Which Methods Confirm the Diagnosis of Pericarditis in Children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When this risky disease is suspected in any way in a child, it is necessary to perform a meticulous examination followed by a series of reliable technological medical tests in order to confirm the diagnosis without hesitation and understand the condition of the heart and whether it is in danger. The first and perhaps most important step of a physical examination performed with an experienced eye is to listen to the chest very carefully with the help of a high-quality stethoscope in an extremely quiet environment. As we mentioned in detail before, we try to detect that crackling sound caused by the roughened inflamed membranes rubbing against each other with every heartbeat. However, this sound is certainly not a fixed finding that is always there waiting and heard in every examination. Sometimes that distinct friction sound we hear during the morning round may completely disappear during the afternoon check. The reason for this is physiologically very simple: if the amount of water-like fluid leaking between the inflamed membranes increases within hours, the pericardial layers move mechanically away from each other, and because they no longer touch each other, friction completely stops. Immediately afterward, we perform a simple but very effective recording procedure (ECG recording) to map the electrical functioning of the child\u2019s heart. Intense inflammation in the pericardium significantly disrupts and changes the electrical currents on the outer surface of the heart. However, the device that provides the clearest, most reliable, and visible evidence of the diagnosis is advanced imaging systems working with sound waves (echocardiography). Thanks to this echocardiographic system, we can instantly, live, and within seconds see whether fluid has accumulated around the heart and whether this fluid dangerously compresses the heart from outside. The diagnostic tools actively used in the process are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stethoscope<\/li>\n<li>Electrocardiography<\/li>\n<li>Echocardiography<\/li>\n<li>Blood tests<\/li>\n<li>Chest X-ray<\/li>\n<li>Magnetic resonance imaging<\/li>\n<li>Computed tomography<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Methods_Are_Used_in_the_Treatment_of_Pericarditis_in_Children\"><\/span>Which Methods Are Used in the Treatment of Pericarditis in Children?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In a child for whom we have clearly diagnosed inflammation of the pericardium, the treatment we will rapidly apply is shaped specifically from the beginning according to the child\u2019s current specific physiological condition, the severity of the disease in laboratory findings, the daily intensity of complaints, and the amount of fluid accumulated around the heart that we see on the screen. Our fundamental medical and human goal is to suppress the inflammation as quickly, effectively, and without harming the body as possible, to stop that unbearable chest pain that suddenly lowers the child\u2019s quality of life, and to completely eliminate all mechanical risks that may create a life-threatening danger by compressing the heart from outside. The main backbone of our treatment is successfully formed by special active ingredients found in painkiller and antipyretic syrups that we all know closely in daily life and that are often found in our home cabinets. However, there is a very important and vital medical detail that parents must know and pay attention to here. We use these medications strategically not to reduce the child\u2019s temporary fever, but directly to dry out that persistent, resistant inflammation in the area at the cellular level. One of the greatest supporters of modern treatment is a very special and well-established medication that stops inflammatory cells from moving toward the pericardium through the blood early. When we use this medication regularly and without interruption from the very beginning when the disease is first detected, we can reduce the risk of inflammation in the heart recurring months later incredibly, almost by half. If fluid accumulation has occurred very rapidly in the emergency department, it may be necessary to carefully enter with a very thin needle just below the chest cavity to drain that life-threatening fluid in order to reduce the deadly pressure inside. The medications used in the treatment process will vary depending on the underlying disease. The medical methods used safely in patients are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Antibiotics<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Antiviral agents<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Ibuprofen<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Colchicine<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Cortisone<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Pericardiocentesis (for both diagnosis and treatment)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Surgical interventions<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Bed rest<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Gastric protectors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Serious_Problems_Can_Pericarditis_Cause_If_It_Does_Not_Heal\"><\/span>What Serious Problems Can Pericarditis Cause If It Does Not Heal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With appropriate, complete, and timely medical treatment, the vast majority of children who develop this frightening disease overcome the process completely and without damage, quickly returning to their former healthy, cheerful, active normal lives. However, if this insidious disease is neglected in any way by the family or physician, if the prescribed medications are stopped early because the child feels better, or if the child\u2019s own immune system shows excessive persistent resistance to this treatment, some serious medical risks that need to be monitored closely and very carefully, day by day, gradually emerge. The foremost of these is the condition in which the heart becomes unable to relax and move, almost paralyzed, due to rapid and high-volume fluid accumulation around the heart in that narrow space. Another major long-term feared risk is that the inflammation does not fully heal and becomes a chronic, silent condition lasting for months or even years in the body. As a result of this long-lasting silent inflammation progressing deeply, the pericardium, which was initially paper-thin and flexible, gradually thickens, hardens like leather, and accumulates calcium like bones, turning into an almost unbreakable, hard concrete armor. Inside such a hardened and concrete-like thick membrane, the heart cannot expand comfortably and receive the blood coming from the body. Sometimes this extremely intense inflammation does not remain quietly on the outer membrane alone but spreads directly through adjacency to the sensitive and most vital organ just beneath it, the heart muscle, beginning to cause permanent damage to the rhythm cells there. The adverse conditions that may be seen when recovery is not achieved are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Cardiac tamponade (fluid in the pericardium compressing the heart and impairing its function)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Constrictive pericarditis (thickening of the pericardium, compressing the heart like armor and impairing its function)<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Inflammation of the heart muscle<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Rhythm disorders<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Exercise intolerance<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Chronic heart failure<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Liver enlargement<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Body edema<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_the_Long-Term_Follow-up_Process_Work_for_a_Child_Who_Has_Had_Pericarditis\"><\/span>How Does the Long-Term Follow-up Process Work for a Child Who Has Had Pericarditis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The child successfully overcoming the frightening and difficult process in the hospital and returning home to their own warm room certainly does not mean that the disease has completely ended and been reset from its roots. For us pediatric cardiologists, the most important, most critical, and most attention-requiring stage is actually the long follow-up process lasting months at home after discharge. A heart whose cells in the recovery period still carry even slight remnants of inflammation does not like unnecessary exertion, fatigue, and beating rapidly at all. The child immediately going outside and running in the street, playing heavy matches or sports with friends, or recklessly engaging in excessive physical activities may create great mechanical pressure on the recovering heart muscle and suddenly reignite the healing but insidious inflammation from its ashes. Therefore, as long as the child has even a mild fever, inflammation levels are still above normal in control blood tests, and even the slightest, momentary chest pain is felt, it is a medical necessity for the child to have absolute, without exception, full bed rest at home. Even if all disease complaints disappear completely, it is essential to stay completely and uncompromisingly away from competitive professional sports, heavy sweat-inducing training, and tiring physical education classes at school for a very specific period. The timed use of medications must be followed exactly, minute by minute, and no dose reduction or increase should ever be made at home without the explicit approval of the following doctor. Parents should monitor this delicate process very closely, without unnecessary panic but with great seriousness. Things that must be paid attention to during the long follow-up process at home are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Full bed rest<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Regular medication use<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Ban on heavy sports<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Balanced nutrition<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Regular doctor follow-up<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Monitoring of complaints<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Avoiding stress<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pericarditis is a condition in which the protective membrane surrounding the heart like armor becomes inflamed, sensitive, and unable to fully perform its function. The most typical symptoms of pericarditis include sharp, stabbing chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and marked restlessness in children that increases when lying on the back. This condition, which usually [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1018,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pediatric-cardiology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1019"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3090,"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1019\/revisions\/3090"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cansaran.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}