Pericarditis in Children: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

The following are some of the most common causes of pericarditis in children:

1. Infections: Viral infections are a common cause of pericarditis in children, including viruses such as Coxsackievirus, influenza virus, and adenovirus. Bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, can also cause pericarditis, although they are less common in children.

2. Autoimmune conditions: Autoimmune disorders, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can also lead to pericarditis in children. In these conditions, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, including the pericardium.

3. Chest trauma: Blunt or penetrating trauma to the chest can cause pericarditis.

4. Heart surgery: Pericarditis can also develop after heart surgery in children.

5. Certain medications: Some medications, such as certain chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics, can cause pericarditis as a side effect.