CHECK-UP:The causes of most cases of costochondritis remain a medical mystery, writes MARION KERR.
WHEN I developed left- sided chest pain and difficulty breathing I was convinced I was having a heart attack. Thankfully, after much investigation I’ve been diagnosed with costochondritis. Can you tell me something about this condition?
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes sharp pain in the costo-sternal joint – where your ribs and breastbone are joined by rubbery cartilage.
The pain associated with the condition can be sharp, dull or gnawing in nature. Pain associated with costochondritis occurs most often on the left side of your breastbone, though it can occur on either side of your chest.
Other costochondritis symptoms may include pain when taking deep breaths, pain when coughing and difficulty breathing. While the pain experienced with costochondritis pain is often mistaken for heart attack, the pain of a heart attack is often more widespread, while costochondritis pain is focused on a small area.
Heart attack pain may feel as if it’s coming from under your breastbone, while costochondritis pain seems to come from the breastbone itself. Heart attack pain may worsen with physical activity or stress, while the pain of costochondritis remains constant. Although the cause of most cases of costochondritis is often unknown, some causes may include injury, infection, fibromyalgia and referred pain from other areas of the body.
When I Googled it I read about something called Tietze syndrome. What’s the difference between it and costochondritis?
The main difference is that when the pain of costochondritis is accompanied by swelling, it’s known as Tietze syndrome.
Now that I’ve got it, apart from taking the medication I was prescribed, is there anything else I can do about it?
The pain of costochondritis usually lasts a week or two and then gradually resolves.
To ease your pain until it fades, your doctor may prescribe a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tricyclic antidepressants or muscle relaxants.
To help relieve the pain, try to avoid activities that make your pain worse. Gentle exercises, such as walking or swimming, can improve your mood and keep your body healthy.
Don’t overdo it, and stop if exercise increases your pain. Apply a heat pad (set on low) to the painful area several times a day. Once your pain is gone, work your way back to your normal activities slowly.