Costochondritis is a condition in which there is inflammation of the costochondral junction of the ribs in the anterior chest wall.  This condition sometimes brings patients into the emergency department because they think they might be having a heart attack.  You can usually produce the pain by pressing on the affected joints of the chest wall.  This is usually a benign condition and will improve with anti-inflammatory medications and avoidance of activities which may aggravate the chest muscle/wall.  That being said, there are things you should be aware of and go see the doctor if you have any questions or concerns.  When in doubt, always call the doctor for advice.

1. In most children, adolescents, and adults, the doctor can make this diagnosis with just getting a good history and physical exam.
2. If the patient is over the age of 35, have known coronary artery disease, or have other cardiopulmonary symptoms that are concerning, then the doctor will likely get an EKG and possibly a chest x-ray too.
3. Depending on the cardiac risks of the patient, the doctor may order further blood tests or send a patient directly to the emergency department for further evaluation.
4. You may have already been to the emergency department for chest pain.  After hours of tests and evaluation by the doctor, you get sent home with a handout about costochondritis.  Don’t worry, the doctor won’t send people home if they suspect an acute heart issue.  Just follow up with your primary doctor after discharge home.
5. Of course, there are also other conditions which might give you this type of pain that isn’t cardiac related or costochondritis.  This may include arthritis, infections, rheumatological conditions, or rib pain syndroms.  So, if your symptoms do not improve, you should go see the doctor for follow up.

Tags: Chest pain, Costochondritis