Why is my breast bone swollen?
Costochondritis is a harmless swelling (inflammation) of cartilage in your chest. The cartilage connects your ribs to your breastbone (sternum), creating the costochondral joint. Costochondritis feels like a sharp or aching pain. The pain can start suddenly or develop slowly and spread across your chest.
How do you treat an inflamed breast bone?
They include:
- Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs pain relievers. Ask your doctor about using ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others).
- Heat or ice. Try placing hot compresses or a heating pad on the painful area several times a day.
- Rest.
What causes a woman’s breast bone to hurt?
Costochondritis is the most common cause The most common cause of sternum pain is a condition called costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed. Symptoms of costochondritis include: sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area.
Can costochondritis go away on its own?
Costochondritis usually has no apparent cause. Treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for the condition to improve on its own, which can take several weeks or longer. Costochondritis usually goes away on its own, although it might last for several weeks or longer. Treatment focuses on pain relief.
When should you see a doctor for costochondritis?
If you have already been diagnosed with costochondritis, call your provider if you have any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing. A high fever. Any signs of infection such as pus, redness, or swelling around your ribs.
Does costochondritis affect the breast?
Costochondritis: The Most Common Cause of Breast Pain Perhaps the most common cause of localized “breast pain” is costochondritis – inflammation in the ribs behind the breast. This may be due to increased physical activity or trauma, but often there is no known cause.
What happens if costochondritis goes untreated?
Costochondritis is a relatively harmless condition that will usually go away without treatment. However, it can cause anxiety as its symptoms may be mistaken for a heart attack. The sudden onset of chest pain should be assessed immediately by emergency services or a doctor.