Overview
Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone, called the sternum. Pain caused by costochondritis might be like that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis most commonly affects the upper ribs on the left-hand side of the body. Pain is often worst where the rib cartilage attaches to the breastbone, called the sternum. But pain also can happen where the cartilage attaches to the rib.
Costochondritis is sometimes called chest wall pain syndrome, costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. Sometimes, there is swelling with the pain, which is a condition called Tietze syndrome.
What causes costochondritis is unclear. Treatment focuses on easing the pain while waiting for the condition to improve on its own. This can take several weeks or more.
Symptoms
The pain associated with costochondritis often:
- Is sharp or aching or feels like pressure.
- Can radiate to arms and shoulders.
- Worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing or sneezing, or with any movement of the chest wall.
- Affects more than one rib.
- Happens on the left-hand side of the breastbone.
When to see a doctor
For chest pain, seek emergency medical attention to rule out life-threatening causes, such as a heart attack.
Causes
Costochondritis often has no clear cause. However, it might be associated with trauma, illness or physical strain, such as severe coughing.
Risk factors
Costochondritis happens most often in women over age 40.
Tietze syndrome, when there is swelling with the pain, often happens in teenagers and young adults, and with equal frequency in men and women.
