Symptom 2. Worsening Pain with Deep Breathing or Lying Down: The Position Matters
Pericarditis is like that uninvited guest who just gets more annoying as the night goes on. One of the ways this pesky condition manifests itself is through the worsening of pain with deep breathing or lying down. It’s like it doesn’t want you to get some rest.
You see, when you take a deep breath, the inflamed layers of the pericardium are more likely to rub against each other, which can exacerbate the pain. Similarly, lying down may put more pressure on the inflamed pericardium, increasing discomfort.
But, here’s a clue. If sitting up or leaning forward brings some relief, it’s a sign that you might be dealing with pericarditis. This is because these positions reduce the contact between the inflamed layers of the pericardium.
The bottom line here is that if changes in your position or breathing patterns significantly affect your chest pain, it’s time to consult a medical professional. It might just be pericarditis showing its true colors, and catching it early could be key to more effective treatment. (2)
