Editing Costochondritis

[[File:Costal cartilages.JPG|200px|thumb|right|Costochondritis is inflammation of the costal cartilages (shown in red) causing chest and ribcage pain.  From BodyParts3D/Anatomography (Life Science db.jp), license CC BY-SA 2.1 JP.]]
'''Costochondritis''' or '''costosternal syndrome''' or '''costosternal chondrodyniais''' is [[inflammation]] of the cartilage that connects a rib bone to the [[sternum]] (breastbone) causing [[chest pain]]. Sometimes the [[Arthralgia|joint pain]] is so severe it can mimic a [[heart attack]]. When swelling accompanies the pain, it is known as [[Tietze syndrome]].<ref name="mayo">{{Cite web | url = https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/costochondritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371175 | title = Costochondritis - Symptoms and causes | website = Mayo Clinic|language=en|access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref> Medical attention should be sought if a patient experiences [[fever]], painful areas of the person's chest looks swollen, red, and feel warm to the touch, they cannot sleep because of the pain.<ref name="drugs">{{Cite web | url = https://www.drugs.com/cg/costochondritis.html | title = Costochondritis - What You Need to Know | website = Drugs.com|language=en|access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref>

== Symptoms ==
It can feel like stabbing, burning, aching, confined to one spot, usually in the very center of the chest, but it may radiate outward.<ref name="medicalnewstoday">{{Cite web | url = https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321635.php | title = Can fibromyalgia cause chest pain? | website = Medical News Today|language=en|access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref>
* Occurs on the left side of the breastbone
* Is sharp, aching or pressure-like
* Affects more than one rib
* Worsens when taking a deep breath or coughing<ref name="medicalnewstoday" />

== Etiology ==
Although the cause of costochondritis is unclear it can at times be caused by the following:

* '''Injury''' A blow to the chest is one example.
* '''Physical strain''' Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and severe coughing.
* '''Arthritis''' [[Osteoarthritis]], [[rheumatoid arthritis]] or [[ankylosing spondylitis]].
* '''Joint infection''' [[Virus|Viruses]], [[bacteria]] and [[Fungus|fungi]] — such as [[tuberculosis]], syphilis and [[aspergillosis]] — can infect the rib joint.
* '''Tumors''' Noncancerous and [[Cancer|cancerous]] [[tumor]]s can cause costochondritis. Cancer might travel to the joint from another part of the body, such as the breast, [[Thyroid gland|thyroid]] or lung.<ref name="mayo" />
* [[Fibromyalgia]]<ref name="medicalnewstoday" />

== Risk factors ==
* Costochondritis occurs most often in women and in people older than 40.

* Tietze syndrome usually occurs in teenagers and young adults, and with equal frequency in men and women.<ref name="mayo" />

== Diagnosis ==
A doctor will ask about signs and symptoms. A physical exam will involved your mid-chest area being touched and possibly move your arms to see if it causes pain.<ref name="drugs" />

== Treatment ==
Costochondritis pain may go away without any treatment and this can take about a year. Treatment depends on the cause. 

* '''Acetaminophen:''' This medicine decreases pain. [[Acetaminophen]] is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
* '''NSAIDs:''' such as [[ibuprofen]], help decrease swelling, pain, and [[fever]]. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. [[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug|NSAIDs]] can cause [[stomach bleeding]] or [[kidney problems]] in certain people. If you take [[blood thinner]] medicine, NSAIDs may not be safe for you. NSAIDs are not for use in children under 6 months of age without direction from the child's healthcare provider.<ref name="drugs" />
A patient may do the following to help with the pain:
* Rest: Do not carry a pocketbook or backpack if it causes pain. Avoid weightlifting during recovery.
* Heat: May help with pain in some patients. Apply heat 20 to 30 minutes every 2 hours for as many days as directed.
* Ice: Decrease swelling and pain and may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
* Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching may help symptoms. Stand in a doorway and put your hands on the door frame at the level of your ears or shoulders. Take 1 step forward and gently stretch your chest. Try this with your hands higher up on the doorway.<ref name="drugs" />

== Notable research ==
* 2009, Costochondritis: Diagnosis and treatment<ref name="Prouix2009">{{Cite journal | url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26883196_Costochondritis_Diagnosis_and_treatment | title = Costochondritis: Diagnosis and treatment | last = Prouix | first = Anne M | last2 = Zryd | first2 = Teresa W | date = Sep 2009|journal=American Family Physician|volume=80|issue=6|doi= | pages = 617-620|pmc=|pmid=|quote=|access-date=|via=}}</ref> ([https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26883196_Costochondritis_Diagnosis_and_treatment Abstract])
* 2020, Costochondritis.<ref name="NBK532931">{{Cite book | title = Costochondritis |url =http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532931/| publisher = StatPearls Publishing | date = 2020 | location=Treasure Island (FL)|pmid=30422526|first = Jessica A. | last = Schumann | first2 = John J. | last2 = Parente}}</ref> ([[pubmed:30422526|Full Text]])

== See also ==
* [[Chest pain]]
* [[Fibromyalgia]]
* [[Tietze syndrome]]

== Learn more ==
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/costochondritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371175 Costochondritis - Symptoms and causes] - Mayo Clinic
* [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22167-costochondritis Costochondritis: What It Is, Causes, FAQs & Treatment] - Cleveland Clinic

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Diagnoses]]
[[Category:Signs and symptoms]]
[[Category:Potential comorbidities]]