Asthma and chronic pain in sternum

[honey1215]

I have had asthma for a long time, but since a year ago i have been experiencing pain in my sternum.  I don't know if this pain is asthma related, but it often hurts when i wake up in the morning and when i sneeze or cough.  I've had this pain for about a year now.  I ignored it before, but it has gotten worse lately (it is more painful).  The pain feels like i fractured my sternum, but i have never experienced any trauma that might have caused a fracture.  I feel a sharp pain when i sneeze or cough or when i stretch my chest.  Any ideas on what might be wrong with me?  Do i need to see a Pulmologist or an Orthopedic doctor?

[National Jewish Health]

Sternal fracture, in the absence of surgery or trauma, is very rare.  It is much more likely that you would have chronic inflammation of the cartilage, where it joins the sternum or fracture of the cartilage, without memorable trauma.  You should see a pulmonologist, rather than an orthopedist.  The usual treatment is with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Less likely would be disease of the sternum, without fracture, either in the bone or the bone marrow.