What is costochondritis? Has anyone else ever had it?

[sb786]

Hi i went to see my gp today regarding the pain i have been having atthe top of my right chest he said it was costochondritis.
I just wanted to ask what is costochondritis and is it serious? how did i get costochondritis? Is it possible to get it if you exercise excessively??
Has anyone else ever been diagnosed with costochondritis? How can a doctor be sure it is costochondritis and not something more serious all he did was listen to my chest??

[sallyann27]

I too have costochondritis.
I developed mine through allergies and excessive sneezing. i was very sore between the area between and under my breasts especially lying on my front in bed and thought i had found a lump. but it turns out it was my hormones were pressing on my ribs.

doctor has since prescribed me anti-histamines to stop my sneezing and allow my body to heal. hope this helps and any other question please ask.

[sb786]

Thank you Diane i was really paranoid about the pain and whether the diagnosis was correct. It's so annoying that i can't really exercise now until the pain settles a little and it been a week already!!

[Diane78]

I was rushed to the hospital with chest pain where they checked me for a heart attack.  The doctor did chest x-rays and ruled out a heart attack.  Symptoms definitely indicated costochondritis.  I have had this many times.  The pain can be so bad where it shoots into your upper shoulder and you almost feel like the wind is being taken away.  Yes, the area can feel tender to touch.  Go into www.mayoclinic.com.  They have good research and info on this.  Just click onto diseases and conditions.  It's a wonderful website.  Yes, you will feel the pain as you describe when you move your upper body, lay down, take deep breaths, etc.  You have to be so careful with exercise. I basically do power walking, swimming and going to start doing Pilates (for stretching).  When I lived on the East coast a personal trainer at the "Y" showed me how to do sit ups that do not pull on your chest area.  Hope this helps.

diane78

[sb786]

Thanks for replying Diane

Can i ask you how your doc diagnosed the costochondritis? My doc simply just listened to my chest?? I'm scared it's something more serious.
I googled costochondritis and i read that the rib area where the pain is usually feels tender or hurts when you press on it. What if it doesn't can it still be costochondritis? I really only the feel the pain when i move my upper body, lay down, take deep breaths or sneeze.

[Diane78]

Yes I have had this several times.  Look it up on www.mayoclinic.com.  I have to be careful whenever I do upper body exercises.  When it does occur, you need to rest, refrain from exercise and sometimes put a heating pad on the area.  Basically, the muscles in the chest wall get inflamed.  It can happen to healthy adults for no apparent reason or after exertion.  It happened to me for no apparent reason. Now I have to be careful what type of exercises I do.  Sometimes you have to go on an antiinflammatory drug along with the rest.  Hope this helps.

diane78