Costochondritis

3-minute read

If you suddenly develop chest pain or have other symptoms of a heart attack, call an ambulance on triple zero (000).

What is costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammation in the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone. It is also called chest wall pain or costosternal syndrome. It can cause sharp chest pain and tenderness, similar to the feeling you may get from a heart, lung or tummy problem.

Although it usually gets better after a few weeks, it can sometimes last longer.

What are the symptoms of costochondritis?

Costochondritis causes a sharp, aching or pressure pain and tenderness in your chest. The pain often gets worse:

if you cough, sneeze or breathe deeply
if you move
if you put pressure on your chest by using a tight seatbelt or hugging someone

The symptoms may develop gradually or start suddenly. The pain is usually on the left side of your breastbone and affects more than one rib.

It might feel like you’re having a heart attack. If you are in doubt, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you have chest pain and have trouble breathing, feel sick or are sweaty, dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Costochondritis is sometimes confused with a rare condition called Tietze syndrome, which has similar symptoms but also causes chest swelling.

What causes costochondritis?

There is usually no obvious cause. Sometimes it can be due to:

a lot of coughing
a chest injury
physical strain from exercise or lifting something heavy
an infection
arthritis
a tumour

How is costochondritis diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose costochondritis by talking to you and examining you. You may also be asked to have blood tests, x-rays or an electrocardiogram to rule out other causes of your pain.

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How is costochondritis treated?

Costochondritis usually gets better by itself. While you have the condition, avoid activities that aggravate it, such as reaching up into a high cupboard or strenuous exercise.

You can ease the pain by:

avoiding strenuous activity
applying a heat pack
gentle stretching
taking non-prescription painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen

Your doctor may suggest corticosteroid injections into the joint or prescribe other medicines if your symptoms don’t ease.