Costochondritis

COSTOCHONDRITIS

Costochondritis. When you have costochondritis, you have inflammation in the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum, or breastbone. Pain in the chest, particularly if it is on the same side as the heart, can be frightening. Costochondritis, however, is not a symptom of a heart attack and typically does not result in any consequences.

COSTOCHONDRITIS

inflammation in the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone (sternum) is known as costochondritis. These cartilage segments are known as costochondral joints. Your rib cage protects vital organs like your heart and lungs thanks to their strength and stiffness. Breathing and chest movements may become quite painful due to the inflammation. Either the pain will begin abruptly or it will develop gradually and radiate across your chest.

Signs

Everybody has a unique way of feeling pain. Typically, costochondritis manifests as a mild chest pain close to the afflicted ribs. When you move your chest or torso, the pain may feel abruptly severe or piercing. Breathing, particularly deep or heavy breathing, is one movement that might exacerbate pain from costochondritis.
throwing up, sneezing, or coughing.
causing your torso to twist.
Snatching something from a high shelf by reaching aloft.
giving someone a hug.
Exercising.
lying on the side that is afflicted.

Triggers

The etiology of this is unknown. According to some doctors, microtraumas small, repeated stresses on the ribs—can eventually cause costochondritis. Microtraumas may consist of:
damage to the ribs or chest.
throwing up or coughing too much.
issues with your chest.
engaging in strenuous physical activity (exercising, participating in sports, or having a physically demanding job or pastime) without adequate time for rest and recovery.
abruptly engaging in physical activity that you don’t typically undertake, such as accelerating an exercise too quickly or spending the entire weekend moving heavy furniture and assisting a buddy.

Treatment

Putting your ribs and chest to rest is the most popular treatment for costochondritis. In order to treat costochondritis, you should give your irritated costochondral joints time to heal.
Acetaminophen and other over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can help you feel better. Before taking painkillers for longer than ten consecutive days, consult your doctor.
Although it is uncommon, if your symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks, your doctor may inject a corticosteroid into the afflicted joints to treat the inflammation.
Costochondritis can improve in some people without therapy, but don’t count on it to go away on its own. When you experience any kind of chest pain, you should see your physician right away.

Prevention

Because the exact cause of costochondritis is unknown, it may not be preventable. Generally speaking, try not to overstress your ribs and chest. After engaging in strenuous physical exercise, make sure to take a break to allow your body to recuperate.

Summary

Anything that makes it difficult to breathe or move is annoying, and it’s even worse if the discomfort is in your chest and ribs. Thankfully, costochondritis is typically not harmful or an indication of a more serious condition. However, that does not negate the reality of your rib pain.