Often the pain goes away in a matter of weeks -- sometimes in just a few days, though it can take a few months or longer. As you heal, take care of yourself and stick to your treatment plan carefully. Don’t rush back to normal life without your doctor’s OK, even if the pain goes away quickly. Inflammation in your heart may still be present.

This usually starts with anti-inflammatories to target pain and inflammation. If a cough makes pain worse, ask your doctor to recommend a cough medicine or try home remedies. You may also need medication to fight any underlying infection. Let your doctor know if you don’t get relief or if pain comes back.

Rest is a big part of your recovery because it helps ease symptoms. This sounds easy enough, but it can be hard to get comfortable or keep from becoming antsy. If lying down hurts, try sitting up or even leaning forward. Embrace this “me time” and relax with quiet activities you enjoy: Maybe read that book you’ve never had time for. Pace yourself by breaking up tasks into small chunks.

Sleep can be a Catch-22: Your body needs it, yet chest pain may ramp up when you lie down. You might find it’s even worse on your left side. But not enough sleep puts more stress on your heart. One answer is to sleep in an elevated position. You might raise the head of your bed or use a sleep wedge. A moist heating pad on your chest may also help. Talk to your doctor if anxiety about your health also keeps you up at night.

A single episode of pericarditis can last days or months. For about 15%-20% of people, it comes back after a time without symptoms that can be mistaken for recovery. At an office visit, your doctor may use cardiac imaging to detect inflammation that may not show up in blood tests.  With this information, they better adjust your treatment. Your appointment is also your chance to ask any questions you may have.

Since recurrent pericarditis may last for months, ask your doctor what symptoms you might feel over time. Take note of symptoms that don’t go away or get worse, as well as any new symptoms like fever or dizziness. Report any shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or belly, and heart palpitations to your doctor right away. If you get more intense chest pain, find it hard to breathe, or faint, call 911 or get medical help right away.

There’s no specific diet for recurrent pericarditis, but eat heart-healthy foods to protect against other heart conditions. Focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables with no added salt or sugar, and proteins like fish and chicken. Stick to healthy fats like those in olive oil, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish like salmon are good for you, too. Make water your go-to drink.

Intense workouts may be the last thing on your mind, but if you do want to exercise, limit yourself to activities that your doctor OKs, like walking at a slow pace. Taxing exercises like weightlifting, running, and competitive sports can trigger pericarditis symptoms. Talk to your doctor before you even think about a return to vigorous exercise. You might need to wait up to 3 months after an acute episode before it’s safe.

What causes a case of pericarditis often remains a mystery. But it can stem from an infection (even one as common as a cold), an injury to the heart, or certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. If your doctor was able to pinpoint another condition, it’s important to follow the treatment plan to manage it.

Recurrent pericarditis might be your wake-up call to make lifestyle changes you’ve been putting off, like quitting smoking and limiting alcohol or cutting it out completely. Both are known threats to heart health. If you need help, ask your doctor or join a quit group -- there are many active online.

Recurrent pericarditis symptoms can last for weeks or months, sometimes longer. If you feel frustrated by the slow progress, practice mind-body techniques to help you manage and ease stress. If your doctor says it’s safe, gentle yoga may help. You can also try meditation and do deep breathing exercises in any position that’s comfortable for you.

To put your recovery first, you might have to take time off from work and skip home chores. It may feel awkward to ask, but let friends and loved ones help you. This way, you can focus on rest. Consider a support group for people with recurrent pericarditis. Join to share your experiences and get ideas for managing it. Ask your doctor about groups or check out the Pericarditis Alliance or Myocarditis Foundation.