Chest wall inflammation

Description

Costochondritis or chest wall inflammation is an inflammatory disease that affects cartilaginous parts of the ribs and causes pain in the chest. It affects one or more ribs, usually second and third rib, especially on the spot where these ribs are connecting with the breastbone (sternum). The pain is sharp and it is often becoming more intensive by the change of the position of ribs, such as going down in lying position, bending over, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms may be mixed with the symptoms of coronary artery diseases or heart attack.

Symptoms

Chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the chest that is increasing with the engagement of the muscle from the chest wall, excessive sensitivity of the chest wall.

Overview

Anamnesis will be taken and medical examination will be done. Tests are usually done for the purpose of excluding other more serious causes of the chest pain, such as: heart attack, thrombin, and dissection of aorta or lung collapse.

Tests

CT scan, D-Dimer, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), test on troponin and X-rays.

Specialists

Urgent Medicine, General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Therapy involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (brufen/ibuprofen, naproxen and painkillers, paracetamol. In severe cases the cortisone injection may help.