Costochondritis: Symptoms and Causes

Overview

• Definition: Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum).
• Pain Characteristics:
  • Can mimic a heart attack or other heart conditions.
  • Most commonly affects the upper ribs on the left side of the body.
  • Pain often worst at the rib cartilage attachment to the breastbone.
• Alternative Names: Known as chest wall pain syndrome, costosternal syndrome, or costosternal chondrodynia.
• Swelling: Sometimes occurs with the condition, referred to as Tietze syndrome.
• Causes: Unclear; treatment focuses on pain relief while the condition resolves naturally over several weeks.

Symptoms

• Pain Characteristics:
  • Occurs on the left side of the breastbone.
  • Feels sharp, aching, or pressure-like.
  • May affect more than one rib.
  • Can radiate to arms and shoulders.
  • Worsens with deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, or chest wall movement.

When to See a Doctor

• Seek emergency medical attention for chest pain to rule out life-threatening causes like a heart attack.

Causes

• Unclear Causes: Often no clear cause.
• Associations:
  • Trauma.
  • Illness.
  • Physical strain (e.g., severe coughing).

Risk Factors

• Demographics:
  • More common in women over 40.
  • Tietze syndrome occurs more often in teenagers and young adults, affecting men and women equally.

Additional Resources

• Mayo Clinic provides resources, books, and newsletters for further understanding and management of Costochondritis.

Note: For accurate diagnosis and treatment, consult healthcare professionals. This summary provides a general overview and should not replace professional medical advice.