User:Mr. Ibrahem/Costochondritis

Costochondritis is chest wall pain at the costal cartilage, the structure that connects each rib to the sternum. The pain is generally localized and can be recreated by pushing on the area. Multiple areas of cartilage may be involved. Pain may be worsened with certain movements and taking a deep breath. The quality of the pain may be sharp or dull. Costochondritis typically resolves with time, though may recur.

Risk factors include repetitive physical activities or a preceding cough. Diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions that may present similarly including: heart attack, angina, heartburn, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. Vital signs are generally normal. The underlying mechanism is believed to involved inflammation. If swelling is involved the condition is known as Tietze's syndrome, a term which maybe used interchangeably but is considered a separate disease.

Chest pain is considered a medical emergency until life-threatening diseases are ruled out. Treatment of costochondritis may include rest, ice and heat, paracetamol (acetaminophen), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). Persistent cases may be managed with physiotherapy or local steroid injections. Costochondritis represents about 13 to 36%% of cases of chest pain. Both children and adults may be affected.