Costochondritis is characterized by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. The sternum is the bone found in the middle of the chest that supports the collarbone and ribs.
Inflammation from costochondritis often causes pain that is felt the center of the chest, which can worsen with moving the upper body, taking a deep breath, or turning to look behind you. This pain can be described as pressure and may be confused for a heart attack.
Costochondritis does not always require specific treatment and tends to resolve on its own. However, pain that persists for several weeks should be assessed by a doctor, who may prescribe analgesics or anti-inflammatories to help manage pain.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of costochondritis are:
- Sharp pain or pressure felt in the middle of the chest;
- Pain that worsens with movement;
- Pain when coughing;
- Pain when breathing;
- Shortness of breath;
- Sensitivity in affected areas when palpated
Under normal conditions, the cartilage in the ribs allow for free movement of the lungs when breathing. However, this can become painful when the cartilage becomes inflamed.
Usually, costochondritis pain is felt in a specific area, but it can radiate to other parts of the body, like the back and abdomen.
Confirming a diagnosis
A costochondritis diagnosis is initiated with an assessment of the patient's symptoms, previous illnesses, and physical examination. The doctor may order tests to rule out other possible causes of chest pain, such as an ECG, chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI.
Also recommended: Pain in Middle of Chest: 6 Common Causes & When to Worry tuasaude.com/en/pain-in-the-middle-of-the-chestPossible causes
Some conditions that can increase the risk for developing costochondritis include
- Direct trauma to the chest (e.g. seat belt tightening across chest from a car accident, for example)
- Poor posture
- Trauma or injury to the thorax
- Weight lifting
- Deep breathing
- Intense sneezing
- Intense coughing
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
In more severe cases, costochondritis may be associated with tumors in the thorax. In addition to pain, this condition can also cause difficulty breathing and swallowing, weight loss, fatigue, hoarseness and chest pain.
In later stages of pregnancy, women may experience chest discomfort that can worsen with exertion and lead to shortness of breath. This occurs due to compression of the lungs by the enlarged uterus.
How to differentiate it from Tietze syndrome
Costochondritis is often confused with Tietze syndrome, which is a disease also characterized by pain and inflammation of the cartilage found in the ribs.
Tietze syndrome, however, presents with visible swelling and is usually located in the second or third ribs, at the point where they join the sternum. Costochondritis, on the other hand, does not present with any visible, external signs of swelling, and tends to be more diffuse.
The possible causes, diagnosis and treatment of Tietze syndrome are similar to those of costochondritis.
Treatment options
Costochondritis can be treated with conservative measures like rest, warm compresses, and avoiding movements that worsen pain (like heavy lifting or exercise).
Gentle stretching exercises as approved by your doctor or physiotherapist may also be beneficial.
In some cases, the doctor can prescribe analgesics or anti-inflammatories, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, to help relieve pain.
Severe cases with intense pain can be treated with injections to inhibit nerve pain as well as physiotherapy.