The condition you refer to may be pericardial effusion. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, how much fluid is present, and how quickly it is enlarging the pericardium (thin layer of tissue surrounding the heart). Treatment of the underlying disorder, such as an infection, heart failure, kidney failure, or malnutrition, generally reduces or eliminates the excess fluid.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen are often prescribed to calm the inflammation and ease pain and other symptoms.
Causes include the following:
1) viruses, especially the coxsackie B5, B6 and the echovirus,
2) indirect trauma to the chest,
3) blows to the chest,
4) surgical procedures,
5) bacterial infections,
6) tumors,
7) Dressler’s post myocardial infarction syndrome,
8) myocardial infarction (inflammation occurring after a heart attack)
9) medications.
Treatment includes analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, such as motrin. Specific causes, if known, can be treated.