Costochondritis(Tietze’s Syndrome)Pronounced: COST-o-kon-DRY-tis
by
Ricker Polsdorfer, MD DefinitionCostochondritis is a painful inflammation in the front of the chest. It is in the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breast bone. Tietze’s syndrome is similar inflammation in upper ribs. Neither of these conditions is a serious issue. However, their symptoms are similar to dangerous conditions, like a heart attack. It is important to confirm what is causing your symptoms.
CausesThe cause is not often known. Sometimes there is a clear cause of irritation to the area such as:
Other times it may be due to abnormally tight or loose joints in the area. Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your chances of costochondritis include:
SymptomsCostochondritis may cause:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor may do further tests to rule out other more serious conditions. Tests will help to rule heart or lung issues. Tests may include a chest x-ray or EKG. TreatmentCostochondritis will often go away on its own. It may take a few weeks to a few months to pass. Options to help manage the pain include:
Treatments that may help lingering or repeating pain include:
PreventionThere are no current steps for prevention. RESOURCES:Family Doctor—The American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org Kids Health—Nemours Foundation http://kidshealth.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca References:
Costochondritis. EBSCO Dynamed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114285/Costochondritis
. Updated November 28, 2016. Accessed December 18, 2017.
Costochondritis. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 2015. Accessed December 18, 2017. Proulx AM, Zryd TW. Costochondritis: Diagnosis and treatment.
Am Fam Physician. 2009;80(6):617-620. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 4/24/2018 |
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