How can I relieve sudden chest pain from costochondritis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with costochondritis last year, and it comes and goes. However, since yesterday, I have been having pain on the left side. It feels heavy and seems to spread inside the breast. The pain lasts for about one to three minutes, and then after five to six hours, it happens again in the same way.

When I rub my chest, the pain stops, but when I stop rubbing, it starts again. After that, everything feels normal. The pain is happening randomly without any activity or trigger.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

I am deeply concerned about your worries. Your symptoms are most consistent with costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs attach to the breastbone), especially since you were already diagnosed with it previously.

Why does this fit your symptoms:

Left-sided chest pain.
Pain that comes suddenly and lasts a few minutes.
Pain that improves when you rub or press the chest.
Normal tests (chest X-ray, ECG (electrocardiogram), HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography).
Occurs without exertion.

Costochondritis pain can sometimes spread toward the breast area, which makes it feel like the pain is coming from inside the breast.

When pressure or rubbing reduces the pain, it usually means the source is musculoskeletal (rib cartilage or chest wall) rather than the heart.

Other possible but less likely causes:

Intercostal muscle strain (strain of muscles between ribs).
Precordial catch syndrome (brief, sharp chest pain common in young people).

The above symptoms would need immediate evaluation.

What may help you:

Rest the chest muscles.
Apply a warm compress or a heating pad.
Gentle chest stretching.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, if recommended by a doctor.

Seek medical care urgently if you develop

Persistent chest pressure lasting more than 10 to 15 minutes.
Shortness of breath.
Dizziness or fainting.
Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.