i would like some more information on costochondritis

i went to the doctors today and they said that i have costochondritis i have really bad trouble e breathing i have pain from my breat bone my sides of my ribs and i read on the internet this cna cause a heart attack is this true? i have been crying about it for ages and would just like to know?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your rib to your breast bone.  Often, the cause is unknown.  Costochondritis is characterized by pain (sharp or dull) in the chest (usually to the left of the breastbone, but can occur on either side of the chest).  The pain usually worsens when taking a deep breath or coughing.  Costochondritis pain is often mistaken for heart attack pain- which is probably what you were reading on the internet. It does not cause a heart attack.  Costochondritis will go away on its own and treatment focuses on relieving your pain (NSAIDS like ibuprofen and naproxen and sometimes muscle relaxants).  Hope this helps.  Feel better.

Bridget