Chronic costochondritis (chest wall syndrome)
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. The pain caused by costochondritis can resemble that of a heart attack or other heart conditions.
Rarity:Unusual
Main symptoms:Rib pain, chest pain, chest pain that worsens with breathing, rib pain with movement, pain when pressing on the chest
Urgency:Phone call or personal visit
viral pneumonia
Viral pneumonia, also called "walking viral pneumonia," is an infection of lung tissue with influenza ("flu") or other viruses.
These viruses are spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible, such as young children, the elderly, and anyone receiving chemotherapy or organ transplant drugs.
Symptoms may be mild at first. The most common are coughing up phlegm or blood; high fever with chills; Difficulty breathing; Headache; Fatigue; and sharp chest pain when taking a deep breath or coughing.
Medical help is required immediately. if not treatedviral pneumoniaIt can cause respiratory and organ failure.
Diagnosis is made by chest X-rays. A blood sample or nasal swab may be taken for further testing.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses and do not help with viral pneumonia. Treatment includes antiviral medications, corticosteroids, oxygen, pain relievers/fever reducers such as ibuprofen, and fluids. IV (intravenous) fluids may be needed to prevent dehydration.
Prevention includes flu shots and frequent and thorough hand washing.
Rarity:Unusual
Main symptoms:Fatigue, headache, cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite
Urgency:family doctor
Bruised or fractured rib
Broken or bruised ribs are usually caused by a fall or blow to the chest, although sometimes this can be caused by a bad cough. With a broken rib, the pain is worse when bending and twisting the body.
You can safely treat this condition yourself. Breathing will be painful, but it is important to avoid shallow breathing or coughing to prevent pain, as this can increase the risk of chest infection. You can take care of yourself by taking over-the-counter pain relievers, putting an ice pack on your chest, resting regularly (especially if your job is physically demanding), and holding a pillow to your chest if you need to. cough. .
Rarity:Unusual
Main symptoms:Rib pain that gets worse when breathing, coughing, sneezing, or laughing Rib pain due to injury Sports injury Rib pain on one side Injury from a common fall
Symptoms always associated with a bruised or broken rib:Rib pain from injury.
Urgency:family doctor
Normal onset of chest pain
Sometimes chest pain is not a sign of a heart attack. The following symptoms are usually typical of benign diseases:
If the pain is brief, like a brief jolt, and goes away right away, it's most likely due to an injury, such as a head injury. B. a broken rib or a strained chest muscle.
Acute chest pain that improves with movement is likely due to acid reflux or a similar condition and is relieved by antacids.
A small, sharp pain somewhere in the chest that gets worse when you breathe is probably due to a lung infection, such as pneumonia or asthma.
In a true heart attack, there is severe referred chest pain that lasts for several minutes; worsens with activity; and is accompanied by nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pain in the arms, back, or jaw. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.
If there is any doubt as to whether the symptoms are serious or not, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.
Rarity:Together
Main symptoms:chest pain, rib pain
Symptoms that always accompany the normal appearance of chest pain:chest pain
Symptoms that never occur with normal chest pain:severe illness, shortness of breath, fainting, severe chest pain, severe chest pain, excessive sweating, nausea or vomiting
Urgency:Phone call or personal visit
chest bruise
A contusion is damage to the blood vessels that return blood to the heart (capillaries and veins), causing blood to pool. This explains the blue/purple color of most bruises. Chest bruises are common as this area of the body is exposed.
You can treat this at home with rest (exercise as tolerated) and ice (10 to 20 minutes each).
Rarity:Together
Main symptoms:Rib pain, constant rib pain, rib pain from injury, recent chest injury, injured chest area
Symptoms that always appear with bruises on the chest:Rib pain from injury, recent chest injury, constant rib pain
Urgency:self treatment
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi, the tiny airways in the lungs.
scharfBronchitis, or "chest cold," comes on suddenly and is caused by the same virus that causes the flu or the common cold. The chronicle lasts at least three months and reappears over the course of two years. It is caused by smoking and/or exposure to other pollutants.
Other risk factors include a weakened immune system and reflux (heartburn).
Symptoms include coughing up clear, greenish, or yellowish mucus; Fatigue; a mild headache; body ache; Difficulty breathing; low fever; discomfort in the chest
Acute bronchitis can lead to pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and requires medical attention.
Diagnosis is made by chest x-ray and sputum examination.
Acute bronchitis lasts 7 to 10 days and requires good supportive care: rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Antibiotics do not work against viral diseases.
Chronic bronchitis is treated with lifestyle changes, particularly stopping smoking, and an inhaler or other lung medication.
Flu shots, frequent hand washing, and not smoking are the best ways to prevent it.
pneumonia bacteria
Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by one of several different bacteria, often Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumonia is often caught in hospitals or nursing homes.
Symptoms include fatigue, fever, chills, pain and shortness of breath, and coughing up phlegm. Elderly patients may experience low body temperature and confusion.
Pneumonia can be a medical emergency for very young children or those older than 65, and for people with a compromised immune system or chronic heart or lung disease.
Complications can include organ failure and respiratory arrest. Take the patient to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Diagnosis is made by blood tests and chest X-rays.
Let's gopneumonia bacteriaThe treatment is with antibiotics. Be sure to finish all of your medicine, even if you feel better. Hospitalization may be necessary in high-risk cases.
Some types of bacterial pneumonia can be prevented by vaccination. Flu shots also help prevent the spread of other illnesses. Keep your immune system healthy through a good diet and sleep habits, don't smoke, and wash your hands often.
Rarity:Together
Main symptoms:Fatigue, cough, headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath
Symptoms that always occur with bacterial pneumonia:Tos
Urgency:personal visit
atypical chest pain
atypical chest paindescribes the situation in which a person's chest pain is unlikely to be related to a heart or lung condition. There are many other possible causes that can explain chest pain, such as chest wall muscle pain or psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
It sounds like your chest pain is atypical, but more tests may be needed. Therefore, make an appointment with your family doctor within two days, who will be able to coordinate these complementary tests. This will likely include an exercise ECG (electrocardiogram), which measures the electrical activity of the heart during exercise.
Rarity:Together
Main symptoms:chest pain, shortness of breath
Symptoms that always occur with atypical chest pain:chest pain
Symptoms that never appear with atypical chest pain:Fever
Urgency:family doctor
Acute costochondritis (chest wall syndrome)
Costocondritis akuteit is also known as anterior chest wall syndrome. It is an inflammation of the flexible cartilage that connects each rib to the breastbone.
Costochondritis is caused by excessive coughing or exertion of the upper body, such as B. weight lifting caused. It is common and occurs in children, adolescents, and adults.
Symptoms include a sudden, sharp, aching pain anywhere on the chest wall, especially near the breastbone where it connects to the ribs. The pain gets worse with deep breathing or with almost any movement.
Any type of chest pain should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if the person is older than 35 and/or has cardiopulmonary symptoms. The symptoms of a heart attack can be confused with costochondritis in some cases.
Diagnosis is made by physical examination. X-rays or CT scans may be done to rule out other causes of the pain.
Treatment includes rest along with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Occasionally, corticosteroids are injected to reduce pain and inflammation.
Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Rib Pain
- You have a cough?
- Have you had a fever today or in the last week?
- What makes your chest pain hurt more?
- How would you explain why your chest hurts?
Self-diagnosis with ourBoje's assistantIf you answer yes to any of these questions.
FAQs
What does it mean when your ribs hurt on both sides? ›
Rib pain on both sides can be caused by inflammation of the cartilage known as acute costochondritis (chest wall syndrome), atypical chest pain, or normal occurrence of chest pain. Read on below for more information on causes and relief options.
Why does my left and right ribs hurt? ›Rib cage pain can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from pulled muscles to a rib fracture. The pain may occur immediately upon injury or develop slowly over time. It can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. You should report any instance of unexplainable rib cage pain to your doctor immediately.
What is the best treatment for rib pain? ›Rib pain treatment
We may recommend: Home care such as rest, cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medication for injuries like a pulled muscle or bruised rib, which often heal on their own with time.
Rib pain without traumatic injury may be due to muscular strain, joint inflammation, or a pain syndrome of unknown cause. Some systemic illness such as autoimmune disorders or fibromyalgia also cause rib pain.
Why do both of my sides hurt? ›Pain in the flanks can result from several conditions, diseases and injuries. Kidney stones, infection and muscle strains are common causes of flank pain. Depending on the cause, treatment for flank pain may include rest, pain medication and antibiotics.
What organ can cause rib pain? ›Some of the organs that can be associated with rib cage pain include: Gallbladder: Gallstones or cholecystitis (infection of the gallbladder) Pancreas: Pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors. Kidneys and ureters: Kidney stones may sometimes cause referred pain that's felt in the rib cage (and is often severe).
What is inflammation around the ribs? ›Costochondritis is the medical term for inflammation of the cartilage that joins your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). This area is known as the costochondral joint.
Does pancreatitis cause rib pain? ›The most common symptom of both acute and chronic pancreatitis is pain in the upper abdominal area, usually under the ribs. This pain: May be mild at first and get worse after eating or drinking. May become constant, severe, and last for several days.
Can rib pain be serious? ›A person should always consult a doctor in any case of unexplained rib cage pain. If the pain or pressure in the chest is severe and breathing becomes difficult, a person should seek emergency medical treatment, as these symptoms could indicate a heart attack.
What can a doctor do for hurt ribs? ›If your orthopedic doctor suspects you have broken a rib then they may want to do a series of diagnostic imaging tests to get a greater visualization of the area and see if anything else has been affected. This can include an X-ray or CT scan to help look for problems such as a collapsed lung or damage to other organs.
What anti-inflammatory is good for rib pain? ›
What pain relief should I use? Three types of painkillers can be used: Paracetamol. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, diclofenac, ibuprofen or aspirin.
What can a doctor do for rib pain? ›Your doctor may give you a device to breathe into to help improve your lung function, and pain medications to make breathing easier until your broken or bruised rib heals.
Can stress and anxiety cause rib pain? ›Rib pain is a symptom of many different types of anxiety, as is chest pain that can be felt in the ribs. Muscle tension and hyperventilation are the most common causes, although other issues like poor sleep can affect it. Treating anxiety is the only way to keep it away.
How can I stop my side from hurting? ›- Avoid eating one to two hours before running.
- Keep pre-workout meals small.
- Avoid fatty and high-fiber foods before your run.
- Practice a proper breathing technique through pursed lips.
- Consider leg therapy.
- Avoid sugary beverages before a run.
The bottom line
Slowing down, breathing deeply, stretching, and pushing on the muscles may help. Avoiding large meals before exercising, limiting sugary drinks, using good posture, and slowly building up your strength may help prevent a side stitch from happening in the first place.
Chest strains, rib pain, and back issues can often be caused by an old injury, an arthritic episode, or changes in weather, but they can also be a sign of neuralgia, anxiety and stress-related reactions, or heart issues.
What nerves can cause rib pain? ›Intercostal neuralgia, also known as chest wall pain, is a condition that causes pain along the intercostal nerves between your ribs. It is caused by nerve compression in the area by the ribcage.
What is 12th rib pain? ›The twelfth rib syndrome appears to be a fairly common and underdiagnosed chronic pain syndrome. It is more common in women than men (3:1) and is usually described as a constant dull ache or sharp stabbing pain that may last from several hours to many weeks.
When should I be concerned about rib pain? ›A person should always consult a doctor in any case of unexplained rib cage pain. If the pain or pressure in the chest is severe and breathing becomes difficult, a person should seek emergency medical treatment, as these symptoms could indicate a heart attack.
Can gas cause pain on both sides of ribs? ›Yes, gas pain can be felt away from the site of the trapped gas. It can cause pain under the ribs or in your back.
What is rib muscle inflammation? ›
Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.