Costochondritis: Diagnosis and Treatment

Costochondritis: Diagnosis & Treatment Explained

If you are experiencing chest pain or heaviness while breathing, it is not always related to a heart condition. Costochondritis signs also include breathing issues, commonly affecting adults aged 40 to 50 years. It is crucial to see a doctor for a proper evaluation. To rule out serious conditions like heart or lung problems, your doctor will likely order tests such as a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram (ECG). Medications and lifestyle changes can treat the enlarged cartilage and manage symptoms.

How to Diagnose Costochondritis?

There are no specific diagnostic tests for costochondritis. Instead, your healthcare provider will begin by reviewing your medical history and asking about your symptoms, such as when they occur, what worsens or relieves them. A physical examination will also be conducted, during which the doctor may press on the affected areas to check for tenderness.

Here are some tests that health professionals usually prefer to check for additional causes of chest pain.

• Chest X-ray: This test is used to rule out lung conditions such as pneumonia, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), or other lung abnormalities that could cause chest pain.  
• Electrocardiogram: It helps to rule out heart conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders, and heart attacks, and check the heartbeat.
• Blood Test: Doctors sometimes prefer a blood test to measure any sign of infection or inflammation.

What are the Available Treatment Options for Costochondritis?

Costochondritis typically resolves within a few weeks. Here are some medications and therapeutic options to treat costochondritis.

1. Medications

Medicines help to relieve the pain associated with costochondritis.

1. Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, are prescribed to relieve pain.
2. Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, can manage chronic pain.
3. Anti-seizure Medications: If a person experiences persistent pain, the doctor may prescribe anti-seizure medicines to control chronic pain.
    

For severe, refractory pain that does not respond to other treatments, a doctor may consider a short course of stronger prescription pain medication, but this is generally avoided due to the risk of dependence and because costochondritis usually improves on its own.

2. Therapies

Therapy programs benefit patients by improving muscle strength and reducing pain.

1. Physical Therapy: Plan gentle stretching exercises to reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility.
2. Nerve Stimulation: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sends a weak electrical charge to interrupt or block pain signals that travel to the brain.

If the above treatments do not work, doctors may recommend injecting corticosteroids to improve pain.

How to Manage Costochondritis at Home?  

Your doctor will suggest the following healthy lifestyle habits to manage costochondritis at home.

• Avoid heavy weight lifting.
• Avoid smoking and drinking.
• Maintain a healthy body weight to avoid stress on cartilage and chest muscles.
• Follow a healthy diet to promote better health and reduce inflammation
• Start to warm up your body before physical activity to prepare joints and muscles for exercise

When to Seek Medical Help for Costochondritis?

Seek immediate emergency medical help if your chest pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate a heart attack or other serious condition:

• Pain that spreads to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold sweats
• A rapid heart rate or palpitations

No specific diet is proven to treat costochondritis, maintaining a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health and well-being during recovery.

Costochondritis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of medical history. Doctors suggest performing tests, such as a chest X-ray and ECG, to check for other serious health complications related to chest pain. Painkillers, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes help relieve pain and improve overall health.