pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium (the thin membrane surrounding the heart). A virus, bacterial infection or fungal infection can cause pericarditis. Other causes include complications from a heart attack or heart surgery, kidney failure, radiation therapy and injury to the chest. Symptoms include chest pain that becomes worse with movement and eases when sitting up or leaning over, fast breathing, cough, fever and chills. Treatment for pericarditis is based on the cause and might include antibiotics, steroids and/or pain medication.