Left chest pain

How many people will have chest problems in life? In the hospital, we can see many people undergoing examinations outside the CT room because of chest pain. Even during many gastrointestinal health examinations, many doctors have encountered chest pain. Although chest pain is very common, the doctor still wants to explain to you that the cause of the pain in the left chest is actually costochondritis.

What is costal cartilage?

Costal cartilage is a type of cartilage tissue located at both ends of the ribs. It forms the sternocostal joint with the sternum (the bone in the middle of the chest) and the costotransverse joint with the spine (the bone in the middle of the back). Together, they form the thorax and protect the heart, lungs and other chest organs.

What is costochondritis?

Costochondritis is a common disease characterized by swelling and pain of the costal cartilage.

How many types of costochondritis are there?

Costochondritis can be divided into two main categories: infectious costochondritis (caused by bacteria) and nonspecific costochondritis (caused by causes other than bacteria). Nonspecific costochondritis accounts for the vast majority, more than 95%. Since nonspecific chondritis and infectious chondritis have fundamental differences in the causes, treatment methods and treatment effects, they need to be carefully distinguished.

Where does costochondritis often occur?

Costochondritis often occurs in the second

2 to 4 costal cartilages, with the 2nd costal cartilage being the most common. It is the ribs on both sides of the neck below.

What are the symptoms of nonspecific costochondritis?

In the early stages of nonspecific costochondritis, patients feel chest pain, and gradually the affected costal cartilage area develops swelling and bulges, dull pain (the opposite of stabbing pain, not too sharp pain) or sharp pain (the nature of stabbing pain, the pain location is clear, and the pain location can be accurately felt). The tenderness is sometimes obvious, and the pain can radiate to surrounding tissues, such as the armpits, shoulders, breasts, etc.

Infectious costochondritis is accompanied by redness, swelling, heat and pain in the local skin, and even pus may break through the skin and flow out, often accompanied by symptoms of infection in other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of infectious costochondritis?

Infectious costochondritis is accompanied by redness, swelling, heat and pain in the local skin, and even pus may break through the skin and flow out, often accompanied by symptoms of infection in other parts of the body.

Will costochondritis develop into osteomyelitis?

Nonspecific costochondritis generally does not, but infectious costochondritis may develop into rib osteomyelitis if not treated in time.

Will costochondritis cause fever?

Nonspecific costochondritis generally does not cause fever, but infectious costochondritis may cause fever.

What is the cause of costochondritis?

(1) Infectious costochondritis is relatively rare and is caused by bacterial infection, which can be caused by hematogenous infection (bacteria from other parts of the body flow to the costal cartilage through the blood circulation), trauma, surgery and other factors.

(2) Nonspecific costochondritis is also called non-suppurative costochondritis. The specific cause is currently unclear, but it is generally believed to be related to viral infection. It is also related to factors such as cartilage nutritional disorders caused by trauma, strain, immune or endocrine system diseases.

Which group of people are prone to costochondritis?

Costochondritis mainly occurs in adults, especially those with low immunity, infectious lesions in other parts of the body, and manual laborers.