What does an inflamed chest wall feel like?
This condition happens when your rib cage cartilage becomes inflamed. The pain can be severe or mild. Although the pain is typically felt on the left side of your chest, it may also occur on the right side. Other symptoms include pain in your back and abdomen and pain that worsens when you cough or take a deep breath.
What does inflammation of the chest wall mean?
Costochondritis is inflammation of the areas where your upper ribs join with the cartilage that holds them to your breastbone. These areas are called costochondral junctions. The condition causes chest pain, but it’s typically harmless and usually goes away without any treatment.
Is costochondritis a chest wall syndrome?
Costochondritis is sometimes known as chest wall pain, costosternal syndrome or costosternal chondrodynia. Sometimes, swelling accompanies the pain (Tietze syndrome).
How long does an inflamed chest wall last?
Outlook. According to American Family Physician, costochondritis can last anywhere from a few weeks to months. It may also recur if it has been caused by physical exercise or strain. The condition does not usually last longer than one year.
How do you get rid of chest wall inflammation?
They include:
- Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs pain relievers. Ask your doctor about using ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others).
- Heat or ice. Try placing hot compresses or a heating pad on the painful area several times a day.
- Rest.
What makes costochondritis worse?
Pain in the chest wall and rib cage is the chief symptom of costochondritis. Generally, the pain will get worse with activity or exercise. Taking a deep breath can also cause more pain because it stretches the inflamed cartilage.
How is costochondritis diagnosed?
Costochondritis is usually diagnosed by physical examination with your doctor. They may perform some additional tests, such as ECG and CT scan, to rule out more serious underlying causes of chest pain such as heart problems or infection.
How is costochondritis compared to Tietze syndrome?
Tietze’s syndrome is more localised, whereas costochondritis tends to be more diffuse. Both conditions may be considered to be subtypes of chest wall pain/syndrome. All describe musculoskeletal causes of chest pain.
What are the symptoms of chest inflammation?
The most common symptom related to a chest wall infection is chest pain. This is often due to the inflammation caused by the infection and may become more severe with activity. Other common symptoms include: Tenderness. Swelling. Difficulty taking a deep breath. Pain in the shoulders or back. Headaches.