Content
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 continues for several weeks, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner, who can recommend the use of some painkiller 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 seat belt in sudden braking, for example;
- Bad posture;
- Trauma or injury in the thoracic region;
- Strenuous physical activity;
- Deep breath;
- Sneeze;
- Cough;
- 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 breathe;
- 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 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 can make the pain worse, such as lifting heavy objects or playing impact sports. However, mild stretching exercises that relieve symptoms may also be recommended, guided by a doctor or physical therapist.
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 order injections to inhibit the pain-causing nerve. In addition, depending on the type, degree and recurrence of pain, physical therapy may be indicated.
When to go to the doctor
It is advisable to go to the hospital or see a general practitioner when the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breathe;
- Pain radiating to the arm or neck;
- Worsening of pain;
- Fever;
- Difficulty sleeping.
The doctor may do several tests, especially to check for heart problems, which can result in similar symptoms.