Costochondritis: symptoms, causes, treatment

Definition

What is costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammatory condition in the cartilage of the ribs that causes pain. The rib cartilage is a spongy tissue with elasticity between the ribs and sternum. Costochondritis is a condition that usually goes away after a few days.

How common is costochondritis?

Costochondritis usually occurs in children and adolescents. Most were 10 to 21 years of age. Costochondritis can also occur in adults with the percentage of women who are infected is 70%. You can lower your chances of getting disease by reducing your risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of costochondritis?

The symptoms of costochondritis are very similar to those of angina caused by heart disease. The symptoms of costochondritis are as follows:

pain and discomfort in the chest
the pain can last for several days or longer
feels more painful when you sneeze, cough or breathe deeply
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have the signs and symptoms listed above, or have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor. Status and health conditions vary from person to person. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best diagnostics, treatment and treatment for you.

Cause

AWhat causes costochondritis?

It is not clear what causes costochondritis, but doctors believe costochondritis is a condition that occurs as a result of:

excessive weight lifting or sudden heavy lifting
chest injury
persistent cough affecting the musculoskeletal area of the chest
osteoarthritis
joint infections, tuberculosis virus infection, syphilis bacteria
tumor in the rib cartilage. Benign or malignant tumors can cause costochondritis

Risk factors

What increases my risk for costochondritis?

You are at risk for costochondritis if you:

smoke
fat
have low body resistance
have an autoimmune system disorder or arthritis
have lung cancer, breast cancer, or a thyroid tumor
have Tietze syndrome

See your doctor for advice and if you want to prevent any of these risks.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for costochondritis?

Generally, costochondritis goes away after a few days or weeks without treatment. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce inflammation. Before treatment, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, heartburn or a history of bleeding. In addition, you can also use a warm compress. However, please note, the compress should not be too hot or too long. If these treatments don't work, the doctor will inject a specific cortisone if needed.

What are the usual tests for costochondritis?

The doctor will diagnose costochondritis based on the medical condition and clinical examination. Also, will likely use X-rays if conditions don't improve over time. Usually, the diagnosis of costochondritis does not require a blood test, but your doctor can still recommend tests to make sure you don't have another disease.