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Is It Normal To Have Chest And Shoulder Pain When Suffering From Tuberculous Pericarditis?

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Posted on Wed, 15 Jan 2014
Twitter Wed, 15 Jan 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 4 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : are chest and shoulder pains common in tuberculosis pericarditis. If so will they be very sever. How many days will they last.
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Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: Pain associated with tubercular pericarditis Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on XXXXXXX Tubercular pericarditis implies that the tubercular infection has involved the pericardium or the outer layer of the heart. The pericardium has two layers- visceral and parietal. The parietal layer is sensitive to pain. Any injury, trauma, inflammation or infection of the pericardium will cause pain in the pericardial region i.e. the chest region. The pain can move up to the shoulders area. The tubercular infection is associated with weakness due to lack of appetite and this can also result in generalized weakness and body aches. The pain will slowly subside as the infection will come under control. As you have mentioned that you have started anti tubercular therapy, the symptoms of the disease will subside pver a period of time. Do not worry, the pain associated with chronic infections like tuberculosis is not severe. If you have more queries I will be glad to answer. Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Dr. Shailja Puri

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Practicing since :2006

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Is It Normal To Have Chest And Shoulder Pain When Suffering From Tuberculous Pericarditis?

Brief Answer: Pain associated with tubercular pericarditis Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on XXXXXXX Tubercular pericarditis implies that the tubercular infection has involved the pericardium or the outer layer of the heart. The pericardium has two layers- visceral and parietal. The parietal layer is sensitive to pain. Any injury, trauma, inflammation or infection of the pericardium will cause pain in the pericardial region i.e. the chest region. The pain can move up to the shoulders area. The tubercular infection is associated with weakness due to lack of appetite and this can also result in generalized weakness and body aches. The pain will slowly subside as the infection will come under control. As you have mentioned that you have started anti tubercular therapy, the symptoms of the disease will subside pver a period of time. Do not worry, the pain associated with chronic infections like tuberculosis is not severe. If you have more queries I will be glad to answer. Dr Shailja P Wahal