1. Know Your Risk Level
Knowing if you fall into a high-risk group for costochondritis (or any other medical condition) can help you spot symptoms that may apply to more than one illness. Costochondritis is an inflammation of the connective tissue--called the costochondral joints--between your ribs and your breastbone, . People of all ages can develop this type of inflammation, but the risk is higher if you are a woman. If you are over 40, you are also more likely to experience the chest pain caused by costochondritis than are younger people.
2. Watch for Difficulty Breathing
Having trouble breathing can be a symptom of costochondritis. Breathing difficulties may occur when you're trying to take a deep breath or cough. Your strained breastbone area will be disturbed from the exertion, making it hard for you to breathe deeply without pain.
3. Know the Variations in Chest Pain
Pay attention to the type of chest pain you are experiencing to determine if it's a symptom of costochondritis. This condition is sometimes hard to diagnose, because the pain can vary in location, intensity and form. At times, you may experience a dull, gnawing pain that can feel like heartburn. Your chest pain could be sharp at other times. You may hurt more when you move around, or the pain could be constant. Your chest pain can also radiate away from your chest and down your arm; this causes some people to think they've had a heart attack. Be sure to report all types of chest pain to your doctor, and let him examine you to determine the cause. When you have costochondritis, you will usually feel soreness when your doctor presses down on your ribcage and breastbone. In cases of severe chest pain, head to the hospital immediately. The emergency staff can quickly determine if you are having a heart attack or if your pain has another source.
