Costochondritis (Chest Wall Inflammation)
Description
An inflammatory condition that affects the cartilaginous portions of the ribs and causes chest pain. It affects one or more ribs, most commonly the second or third ribs. The pain that is produced is often intensified by change of position of the ribs, such as lying down, bending over, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms may be confused with that of coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
Symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, chest pain that increases with use of chest wall muscles, chest wall tenderness.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests are generally done to rule out other more serious causes of chest pain such as: heart attack, blood clot, aortic dissection, or lung collapse.
- Troponin
- D-Dimer
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
Treatment
Treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Related Videos
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Costochondritis (Chest wall inflammation)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.