Description
An inflammatory condition that affects the cartilaginous portions of the ribs and causes chest pain. It affects one or more ribs, most commonly the second or third ribs, especially where these ribs meet the breastbone (sternum). The pain that is produced is sharp and often intensified by change of position of the ribs, such as lying down, bending over, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms may be confused with that of coronary artery disease or a heart attack.
Symptoms
Chest pain, shortness of breath, chest pain that increases with use of chest wall muscles, chest wall tenderness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests are generally done to rule out other more serious causes of chest pain such as: heart attack, blood clot, aortic dissection, or lung collapse.
Tests:
CT Scan, D-Dimer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests are generally done to rule out other more serious causes of chest pain such as: heart attack, blood clot, aortic dissection, or lung collapse.
Tests:
CT Scan, D-Dimer, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol). In severe or prolonged cases, a cortisone injection may be helpful.