What is the primary treatment for pericarditis?

The primary treatment for pericarditis involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine. This combination is effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain associated with pericarditis. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or indomethacin, help to alleviate the symptoms by reducing the inflammatory process in the pericardium, the membrane surrounding the heart. Colchicine, on the other hand, is used to prevent recurrent episodes of pericarditis and can enhance the efficacy of NSAIDs.

This approach is favored as it addresses both symptom relief and the underlying inflammation without the potential side effects associated with stronger medications like corticosteroids, which might be reserved for more severe cases or when initial treatments are ineffective. The use of antibiotics is typically not indicated unless there is a bacterial infection present, which is rare in pericarditis, and diuretics are not effective in treating inflammation but are sometimes used to manage fluid accumulation if present. Thus, the combined use of NSAIDs and colchicine represents a well-established standard of care for managing pericarditis.