Overview
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes chest pain, which can be sharp, aching, or pressure-like. The pain often mimics heart attack symptoms, leading to confusion.
Types of Costochondritis
- Costosternal Junction: Inflammation where the costal cartilage directly attaches to the sternum.
- Costovertebral Junction: Inflammation where the ribs connect to the vertebrae.
Causes of Costochondritis
The exact cause remains unclear, but several factors may contribute:
- Physical Trauma: Accidents or falls.
- Physical Strain: Heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis.
- Genetic Predisposition.
- Infections: Viral, fungal, or bacterial (e.g., syphilis, tuberculosis).
- Tumors: Both non-cancerous and cancerous.
Risk Factors of Costochondritis
- Gender: Women are more prone.
- Age: Common in individuals older than 40.
Symptoms of Costochondritis
1. Location: Pain on the left side of the breastbone.
2. Character: Dull to sharp, worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or movement.
3. Tenderness: Palpation at the sides of the breastbone.
4. Common Sites: Fourth, fifth, and sixth ribs.
5. Mistaken for Heart Attack: Pain often confused with cardiac issues.
Preventions of Costochondritis
- Proper Backpack Use: Encourage children to wear backpacks correctly.
- Prompt Infection Treatment.
- Early Mobilization After Surgery.
Diagnosis of Costochondritis
- Physical Examination: Tenderness and swelling assessment.
- Tests: Rule out other conditions.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Check for infection.
- Chest X-ray: Exclude other chest pain causes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Rule out heart conditions.
Treatment for Costochondritis
- Self-Care: Rest, hot/cold compresses.
- Medication:
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): For mild to moderate pain.
- Narcotics (Codeine, Hydrocodone): Severe pain relief.
- Antibiotics (Penicillin, Doxycycline): Bacterial infections.
- Antidepressants (Amitriptyline): Chronic pain.
- Corticosteroids (Betamethasone, Prednisone): If NSAIDs are ineffective.
- Physical Therapy: Gentle chest muscle stretching and nerve stimulation.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Persistent Pain: If the chest pain persists or worsens over time.
- Severe Pain: Especially if it interferes with daily activities.
- Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or chest tightness.
- Radiating Pain: Pain spreading to the arms, neck, or jaw.
- Fever: Accompanied by chest discomfort.
- Uncertainty: When you’re unsure whether it’s costochondritis or another condition.
