I was diagnosed with acute pericarditis about three weeks,and i am currently on colchicine and aspirin . I appear quite stable but do experience occasional chest discomfort. Can i know the usual duration of therapy and also if i can engage in sexual activity.
Hello! Thank you for asking on Chat Doctor! I understand your concern and would like to explain that therapy duration, when we are facing with acute pericarditis depends on: (1) need for symptomatic relief (treatment of persistent disturbing and restraining pain); (2) treatment of pericardial effusion (avoiding such way the risk for cardiac function compromise), (3) treatment of potential obvious etiological factors (for example, a thyroid disorder, any possible infections, inflammations, etc.). Regarding your actual therapy, I would explain that colchicine duration will depend on the actual clinical and echocardiography results of treatment (that is, if fluid accumulation is disappeared and bothering pain has almost faded, then it would be recommended a change of colchicine to any anti-inflammatory Chat Doctor.  Colchicine has the potential to show dangerous side effects (hematological, digestive, etc.). So I would recommend a safer option. I recommend you to talk with your doctor about that issue.  Regarding sexual intercourse, you are free to that, but only if your pain is not limiting. Hope to have been helpful to you. Greetings! 