What is meant by Costochondritis?
Costochondritis is a common form of inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). Inflammation may affect multiple areas of cartilage on both sides of the sternum, but it usually occurs on only one side. The cause of costochondritis is unknown and may involve several factors, including genetics (hereditary predisposition), viruses, and bruising (injury). Costochondritis may occur alone or may sometimes be a symptom of a more widespread disease. Examples of diseases that cause costochondritis include fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
What is meant by Tietze Syndrome?
A distinction should be made between costochondritis and Tietze syndrome, which affects the same area of the anterior chest. Costochondritis is not accompanied by swelling, whereas swelling is a hallmark of Tietze syndrome. Tietze syndrome is inflammation of the costal cartilages in the upper anterior chest.
What are the symptoms of both conditions?
The most important symptom of both costochondritis and Tietze syndrome is sharp pain where your ribs attach to the breastbone. The pain may come on gradually or suddenly, and you usually feel it in the second and third ribs on one side of the body. If you have Tietze syndrome, you may feel pain in your ribs when touched, and you may also have swelling around the affected area. Sudden movements of your ribs, such as when coughing or sneezing, may worsen the pain. Tietze syndrome usually affects the upper ribs, especially the second or third ribs. Pain may worsen with physical activity, movement, coughing, or sneezing. Although the pain usually resolves spontaneously, swelling may persist long after the pain has resolved in Tietze syndrome.
What causes this condition?
The causes of costochondritis or Tietze syndrome are not fully understood, although they may be associated with upper respiratory infections, such as sinusitis and laryngitis.
Who can get this condition?
Anyone can develop costochondritis/Tietze syndrome, although they are more common in people between the ages of 20 and 40. This condition affects men twice as often as women.
What is the treatment for Costochondritis?
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Costochondritis may be exacerbated by any activity that involves stress on the structures of the anterior chest wall.
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It is generally advisable to minimize these activities until the costochondral inflammation resolves.
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Reassurance once the diagnosis is confirmed.
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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Local injection of long-acting corticosteroid medication can be beneficial.
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Intercostal nerve injection may also be helpful but is rarely required.
