Costochondritis Symptoms

Chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome and costosternal chondrodynia are the other names by which the condition of costochondritis may also be referred to by doctors. In some cases, this condition is also accompanied by swelling and so it is also named as 'Tietze syndrome'. Causes of most cases of costochondritis are not apparent or are uncertain by nature, while there are some whose causes have been identified. They include injury to the chest, infection of costosternal joint, fibromyalgia and pain radiating from other parts of the body. People who have been commonly diagnosed with this condition fall in the age of 12 - 14 years. It is one of the most common causes of chest pain in adults and 30 - 40% of chest pain in children.t.

How To Spot the Symptoms of Costochondritis

The location wherein, the ribs are connected to the breastbone is known as the costosternal joint. This joint becomes painful and tender when a person suffers from costochondritis. Generally, the affected person suffers from a sharp pain, however, the pain might become dull or gnawing at times. Although the pain might occur on either side of the breastbone, it has been diagnosed that the left side undergoes the pain, most often. Increasing pain while taking deep breaths and while coughing are the other few symptoms of costochondritis, apart from trouble in breathing. The moment the breathing becomes slower, the pain tends to become less. The pain may also radiate to the back or abdomen. People over 40 years of age are the most common ones to exhibit such symptoms.

A physical examination will be conducted by your doctor in order to diagnose costochondritis and you would be required to discuss the symptoms of the condition which you might be suffering from. Such symptoms can easily mimic those of heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal problems and osteoarthritis. X rays or other imaging scans come of no help while diagnosing costochondritis. Even if such procedures are conducted, it would be to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Most cases of costochondritis run for a period of about 1-2 weeks and they get resolved on their own and without any treatment. Doctors may recommend certain medications to take care of the symptoms. These medications may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants and muscle relaxants.

Apart from medications, you can take up measures which can help make you more comfortable and manage the symptoms well. Give yourself some rest from indulging in activities, which might aggravate the pain. Rest is necessary, however, do not keep yourself from taking up light exercises such as walking or swimming. Keep a moderate level of such exercises and do not overdo them. Application of heating pad to the painful area also helps in alleviating the pain. Take care the heat is moderate and not too much. As you feel that the pain is subsiding, you can gradually go for your normal activities, but take your time and take it easy.

In some cases, it might happen that the symptoms of costochondritis are showing no signs of improvement. So, making an appointment with your doctor becomes a necessity. As mentioned, the symptoms may mimic those of other illnesses, most commonly, a heart attack. The chest pain arising in a heart attack seems to be widespread, while costochondritis causes pain which stays in a small area. Whatever the case may be, if you are suffering from a consistent and sudden pain, rather than contemplating on the matter, it would be wise for you to call for medical help at the earliest.