Costochondritis (kos-toe-kon-DRY-tis) is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). Pain caused by costochondritis might mimic that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Costochondritis is sometimes known as chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. Sometimes, swelling accompanies the pain (Tietze syndrome).
Costochondritis usually has no apparent cause. Treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for the condition to improve on its own, which can take several weeks or longer.
Costochondritis usually goes away on its own, although it might last for several weeks or longer. Treatment focuses on pain relief.
The pain associated with costochondritis usually:
- Occurs on the left side of your breastbone
- Is sharp, aching or pressure-like
- Affects more than one rib
- Worsens when you take a deep breath or cough
Costochondritis usually has no clear cause. Occasionally, however, costochondritis may be caused by:
- Injury. A blow to the chest is one example.
- Physical strain. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and severe coughing have been linked to costochondritis.
- Arthritis. Costochondritis might be linked to specific problems, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
- Joint infection. Viruses, bacteria and fungi — such as tuberculosis, syphilis and aspergillosis — can infect the rib joint.
- Tumors. Noncancerous and cancerous tumors can cause costochondritis. Cancer might travel to the joint from another part of the body, such as the breast, thyroid or lung.
Costochondritis occurs most often in women and in people older than 40.
Tietze syndrome usually occurs in teenagers and young adults, and with equal frequency in men and women.
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