Lately, there has been an increase in instances of chest pain due to other causes other than lung infections and heart conditions. It is called costochondritis and affects mainly the cartilage, which joins the ribs to the central bone in the chest wall called the sternum. It is a pain that mimics pain similar to a heart attack and is now a topic of increasing interest.

What is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. It is a painful condition usually following an infection, injury, or even a disease like autoimmune arthritis. It usually arises as a sharp and stabbing pain. An episode of costochondritis needs the attention of a medical practitioner for relief and quick resolution.

Costochondritis Symptoms:

Following are some symptoms that can be observed in a person with costochondritis.

1. Sharp stabbing pain in the anterior part of the chest that arises during coughing or movement.
2. Pain that aggravates with exertion.
3. The pain radiates to the back of the underarm, similar to a heart attack.
4. Soreness and tenderness on touch at the junction of the ribs and the sternum.
5. There may be swelling and warmth at the site of the costochondral junction.
6. A history of chest injuries or recent bacterial and viral infections.

How can we differentiate heart attack pain from that of costochondritis?

Despite the similarity in the type and distribution of pain over the chest during a heart attack and in costochondritis, there are certain marked characteristics of a heart attack that can differentiate it from costochondritis, such as:

1. There is nausea, sweating, and sometimes lightheadedness, along with the pain sensation in a heart attack, which is not seen in costochondritis.
2. The pain remains similar in intensity or increases during the attack, whereas in costochondritis, pain intensity reduces when the triggering factor, such as heavy lifting, is stopped.
3. The pain in costochondritis responds to NSAIDs, unlike a heart attack.
4. ECG changes are associated with a heart attack but none with costochondritis.

If you experience severe chest pain associated with nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, or indigestion, go to your nearest hospital to get treatment, as quick treatment in the golden hour of a heart attack can save lives.

Causes of Costochondritis:

There is no particular cause that specifically gives rise to costochondritis, but the following factors may have a role to play:
1.Injury to the chest, especially around the rib and sternum areas.
2.Infections due to viruses or bacteria.
3.Movements such as repeatedly lifting heavy weights and forced coughing can lead to this condition.
4.An underlying chronic condition, such as autoimmune conditions, can sometimes lead to this painful disease.

 Who is at increased risk of costochondritis?

Costochondritis is a disease that can affect anyone; however, some factors do lead to an increase in its incidence.
1.Age: people below 40 are more likely to suffer from costochondritis.
2.It appears to be more common in men than in women.
3.People involved in vigorous physical activity such as gym training and weight lifting.
4.Injury to the chest.
5.People with genetic autoimmune conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis.
6.Poor posture leads to the buildup of strain on the chest and chest bones.

Diagnosis of Costochondritis:

The diagnosis of costochondritis is made through several steps, such as the following:

1. A patient’s medical history is taken, which includes elaboration of the present and past complaints. The doctor dives into any other conditions that might be affecting the patient at the same time, or that can be ruled out.
2. The doctor will then do a general and local physical examination to elicit signs like swelling, redness, and tenderness at the site of the inflamed cartilage.
3. The doctor will then arrive at a suspicion of costochondritis based on the medical history and order tests to confirm the same.
4. The tests may include imaging studies such as an X-ray of the chest, a CT scan, or even a very sensitive MRI.
5. There may also be blood tests such as CBP, ESR, and vitamin levels.
6. Once the results of the investigations and the blood tests are known, the doctor finally arrives at the final diagnosis of costochondritis.

Costochondritis Treatment :
The treatment for costochondritis includes the following:

1. Adequate rest and avoiding strenuous activity can help speed up recovery.
2. Over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can be used to get relief from severe pain that is interfering with your lifestyle.
3. Using heat or ice over the site of inflammation causes swelling.
4. Physical therapy to improve posture and mobility for proper healing.
5. Taking medications prescribed by the doctor to tackle the inflammation while taking care of the underlying diseases, such as injuries or arthritis.
6. Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain, such as heavy lifting, with lifestyle therapy
7. Using relaxation techniques to ease up the chest muscles and reduce pain

 Along with all the treatment provided, it is extremely important to adopt it religiously and report to the doctor for proper follow-up plans.