Symptoms and treatment of costochondritis (pain in the sternum)

Costochondritis is the inflammation of the cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum bone, which is a bone found in the middle of the chest and is responsible for supporting the clavicle and rib. This inflammation is perceived through chest pain whose intensity varies according to the movements involving the trunk, such as deep breathing, physical stress and pressure in the chest, which can even be confused with infarction. Here's how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack.

Costochondritis is a common, minor inflammation that usually does not need treatment, as it clears up naturally. However, if the pain worsens or lasts for several weeks, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner, who can recommend the use of an analgesic or anti-inflammatory.

Possible causes

Although there is no specific cause for costochondritis, movements or situations involving the trunk can favor this inflammation, such as:

Pressure in the chest, such as that caused by the harness in sudden braking, for example; Bad posture; Trauma or injury in the thoracic region; Strenuous physical activity; Deep breathing; Sneezing; Coughing; Arthritis; Fibromyalgia.

In more severe cases, costochondritis may be associated with tumors of the chest, in which there is difficulty in breathing and swallowing, weight loss, fatigue, hoarseness and chest pain.

In the later stages of pregnancy the woman may experience some chest discomfort that may worsen with exertion and result in shortness of breath. This is because of the compression of the lungs by the enlarged uterus.

Main symptoms

The main symptom of costochondritis is chest pain, often described as acute, thin or felt as pressure, and which may have its intensity increased according to the movements. The pain is usually limited to one region, especially the left side, but it can radiate to other parts of the body, such as the back and abdomen.

Other symptoms of costochondritis are:

Pain when coughing; Pain when breathing; Shortness of breath; Sensitivity of the region to palpation.

Under normal conditions, the rib cartilages allow the lungs to move during the breathing process, but when they are inflamed, the movement becomes painful.

How to differentiate from Tietze syndrome

Costochondritis is often confused with Tietze's syndrome, which is also a disease characterized by pain in the chest area due to inflammation of the chest cartilages. What differentiates these two conditions is mainly the swelling of the affected joint that occurs in Tietze's syndrome. This syndrome is less common than costochondritis, appears in equal frequency between men and women, appears in adolescents and young adults, and is characterized by a lesion on one side accompanied by swelling of the region. The possible causes, diagnosis and treatment of Tietze's syndrome are the same as for costochondritis.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of costochondritis is made based on the patient's previous symptoms and diseases, physical examination and radiological exams that rule out other causes of chest pain, such as electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Check out other causes of chest pain.

How the treatment is done

The initial recommendations for treating costochondritis pain are to rest, apply a warm compress to the area and avoid movements that may make the pain worse, such as lifting heavy objects or playing impact sports. However, mild stretching exercises that relieve symptoms can also be recommended, guided by a doctor or physiotherapist.

In other situations, the use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen, always with medical guidance, is recommended for pain relief. On more serious occasions, the doctor may recommend injections to inhibit the pain-causing nerve. In addition, depending on the type, degree and recurrence of pain, physical therapy may be indicated.