Costochondritis - Information - Cause - Symptoms - Treatment Options
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is an inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib. This is a common cause of chest-wall pain. Inflammation or injury involving the chest muscles is another common cause of chest-wall pain.
Ribs and lung anatomy - (Photo-Picture Image)
The ribs are the skeletal protection for the lungs and the chest cavity. The ribs and rib muscles expand and contract with normal breathing.
Chest pain
Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel anywhere along the front of your body between your neck and upper abdomen. Many people with chest pain fear a heart attack. However, there are many possible causes of chest pain. Some causes are mildly inconvenient, while other causes are serious, even life-threatening.
Costochondritis by Lynn K Flowers, MD
In contrast to myocardial ischemia or infarction, costochondritis is a benign cause of chest pain and is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis. Although the term costochondritis often is used interchangeably with fibrositis and Tietze syndrome, these are distinct diagnoses, from eMedicine.
