An inflammation of the connective tissue where the ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum). Characterized by dull to sharp pain at the front of the chest wall that may radiate to the back or abdomen.

Symptoms include:

• Dull to sharp pain at the front of the chest wall that may radiate to the back or abdomen.
• Pain with deep breathing, coughing or Physical activity.
• Tenderness or palpitation at the sides of the breastbone.
• Fourth, fifth and sixth ribs are the common sites of pain.
• Costochondritis caused from infection after surgery shows redness, swelling or pus discharge.
• Pain generally seen on the left side of the chest and often mistaken for heart attack.

→ Common treatment options

→ How is this diagnosed?

The Causes include:

• Injury/trauma from an accident or a fall
• Physical strain like heavy weight lifting and exercise
• Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
• Genetic predisposition
• Viral, fungal or bacterial infections such as syphilis, tuberculosis and aspergillosis
• Noncancerous and cancerous tumors

Risk factors include:

• Gender women are more prone for this condition
• Age people older than 40 years

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