Which symptom is characteristic of pericarditis?

The characteristic symptom of pericarditis is pleuritic sharp chest pain. This type of pain often has a specific pattern—it's typically exacerbated by breathing or coughing and may improve when the patient leans forward. This is due to the inflammation of the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. The irritation of the pericardial lining can mimic other pain patterns associated with pleuritic conditions, hence the sharpness and pleuritic nature of the pain experienced.

In contrast, constant dull chest pain is more indicative of other conditions, such as myocardial ischemia. Radiating shoulder pain is commonly associated with myocardial infarction or angina rather than pericarditis. Indigestion or gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur in cardiac conditions but are not typical symptoms of pericarditis. Thus, the specific nature of pleuritic sharp chest pain uniquely aligns with the presentation of pericarditis.