Other Respiratory Problems
As myocarditis progresses, it can lead to various respiratory issues. One common problem is respiratory distress, which is characterized by difficulty breathing. Symptoms of respiratory distress may include nose flaring, changes in skin color, excessive sweating, grunting during breathing, and wheezing. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often mistaken for signs of conditions like asthma or pneumonia by medical professionals.
Diminished Heart Sounds
When examining the heart of an individual with myocarditis, the heartbeat rhythm may appear diminished or muffled. This is a result of the inflammation in the heart muscle, which restricts the volume of each heartbeat. The occurrence of this phenomenon is especially prevalent when myocarditis coincides with pericarditis, a related condition characterized by inflammation of the fibrous sac surrounding the heart.