Left chest bulge

The left side of the chest is protruding, which is a very common symptom and is also a symptom that many patients with costochondritis have. Costochondritis has a great impact on patients. However, in clinical medicine, there are also many methods that can effectively treat costochondritis. In addition, costochondritis can also be prevented through certain methods. Below, we will introduce the relevant knowledge of costochondritis in detail.

1. Causes

1. Nonspecific costochondritis

The cause is still unclear, but the possible causes are as follows:

(1) Viral infection. Many cases reported a history of viral upper respiratory tract infection before the onset of the disease.

(2) Chronic strain of the sternocostal joint ligaments.

(3) Immune or endocrine abnormalities cause costal cartilage nutritional disorders.

(4) Other causes may be related to tuberculosis, general malnutrition, acute bacterial upper respiratory tract infection, rheumatoid arthritis, sternocostal joint subluxation, chest impact injury, severe coughing and other injuries.

2. Infectious costochondritis

Primary infection is relatively rare and is usually transmitted through the bloodstream. The causative bacteria are often Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi. Chondritis caused by infection after thoracic surgery is more common, and its causative bacteria are mainly purulent bacteria and fungi.

II. Treatment

1. Nonspecific costochondritis

(1) Costochondritis is generally treated only symptomatically, such as taking analgesics, hot compresses, physical therapy, or local blockade with procaine. Systemic or topical administration of corticosteroids may also help relieve symptoms. Erythromycin and morphine can be taken in the acute phase. Give antiviral drugs such as Virulin. Alternatively, you can use hormones such as prednisone or dexamethasone. For those with severe pain, 5 ml of lidocaine plus dexamethasone can be directly injected into the painful area, and local blockade can be performed with novocaine and prednisolone.

(2) If the pain fails to be relieved by long-term drug treatment, affects the patient's mood and work, or local malignant tumors cannot be ruled out, costal cartilage resection may be considered.

2. Infectious costochondritis

Perform conservative treatment first, use targeted antibiotics to effectively control infection and provide symptomatic analgesia. When the above methods are ineffective, surgical treatment is required.

3. Prevention

1. The occurrence of this disease may be related to upper respiratory tract infection. Therefore, the first step to prevention is to avoid catching a cold. Open windows frequently to ventilate the room. Go to public places less often and participate in more sports activities to enhance your own resistance. Get a flu shot if necessary.

2. Keep warm every day to prevent cold. When you are sweating, you should not take off your clothes immediately to avoid catching a cold. Clothing should be loose and dry. Avoid moisture. Pay attention to the combination of work and rest, and avoid overwork.

3. When working, improve your awareness of protection, use the correct posture when carrying heavy objects, do not use excessive force, and beware of damage to the sternal costal cartilage and ligaments.

4. Eat more vegetables and fruits, and more foods that enhance immunity, such as milk, eggs, fish, etc.

5. Avoid spicy foods such as chili peppers and foods containing large amounts of animal fat, quit smoking (smoking is an important factor in the occurrence of serious complications), and do not drink strong alcohol.