Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
COSTOCHONDRITIS
About Your
Diagnosis
The ribs are connected to the
sternum (breast bone) by cartilage. This connection is called the
“costochondral junction,” which means the joining of bone and
cartilage. Costochondritis is chest pain and tenderness in this region of the
chest. One type of costochondritis caused by swelling of the cartilage is called
“Tietze’s syndrome.” It can occur anywhere in the chest but
usually on the left side. Costochondritis is a common cause of pain in the front
of the chest. No one knows what causes costochondritis, but certain forms of
arthritis may cause chest pain in this area. Costochondritis is diagnosed by a
medical history and physical examination. Tenderness over the cartilage is a
common finding. Although there are no specific blood tests or x-rays for
costochondritis, your doctor may order other tests to be sure you do not have
another condition.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Individuals with
costochondritis have pain and tenderness in the chest. The pain may be mild or
severe and may last for several days or longer. Coughing, sneezing, deep
breaths, and certain movements can make the pain worse. Some individuals feel
anxious because of the pain and may feel short of
breath.
Treatment
Costochondritis
usually goes away on its own. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such
as ibuprofen may be particularly helpful. Other treatments include heat and
stretching exercises. If these treatments do not relieve the pain, a cortisone
injection might be tried. Potential side effects of NSAIDs include stomach
upset, ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, difficulty hearing,
and skin rash. Cortisone injections usually work quickly but require injecting a
needle through the skin.
The
DOs
• Take your medicines as
prescribed.
• Follow your
doctor’s treatment
instructions.
• Ask your doctor which
over-the-counter medications you may take with your prescription
medications.
The
DON’Ts
• Wait to see if
side effects from medications will go
away.
• Leave a heating pad on for
more than 20 minutes at a time.
•
Continue an exercise program that causes pain most of the
time.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• You experience any
medication side effects.
• You
develop a new, unexplained symptom with your chest
pain.
• You experience worsening
warmth or redness of the skin after a cortisone injection.