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Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.

Symptoms of costochondritis

Costochondritis may cause sharp pain in the front or side of your chest.

The pain may be worse when:

  • moving your upper body
  • lying down
  • breathing deeply
  • you press the middle of your chest

Call 112 if:

You have sudden chest pain that:

  • spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw
  • makes your chest feel tight or heavy
  • started with a shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick or being sick
  • lasts more than 15 minutes

You could be having a heart attack. Call 112 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital.

Treatments for costochondritis

Costochondritis usually gets better on its own, over time. It can last for a few weeks to several months.

Painkillers that help with inflammation, like ibuprofen, may be recommended to help with the pain.

If you have very bad pain that does not get better over time, you may be offered a steroid injection to help reduce inflammation or local anaesthetic to ease the pain.

Causes of costochondritis

It is not always known what causes costochondritis, but it may be caused by:

  • an injury to your chest
  • repetitive upper body movements, like lifting
  • coughing a lot

Sometimes it may be caused by a problem with the joints in the back, or another underlying condition like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.

It can also be caused by an infection.

Consult with a doctor about Costochondritis

Consult with a doctor about Costochondritis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Costochondritis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Costochondritis with a doctor online.

5.0 (2)
Doctor

Alexander Nazarchuk

Allergology 7 years exp.

Dr. Alexander Nazarchuk is a physician specialising in allergology and internal medicine. He provides online consultations for adults, following the principles of evidence-based medicine — no outdated treatments or unnecessary tests, with clear explanations and a personalised approach. He helps patients with a wide range of allergic and therapeutic conditions, from common day-to-day complaints to complex cases involving allergies, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, respiratory symptoms, and more.

You can consult Dr. Nazarchuk for:

  • Test interpretation and guidance on diagnostic plans.
  • Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma (including severe cases).
  • Food and drug allergies, skin rashes, angioedema.
  • Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, contact allergies.
  • Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) – initiation and ongoing management.
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, nausea, heartburn.
  • High blood pressure and adjustment of baseline antihypertensive therapy.
  • Hyperlipidaemia and elevated cholesterol.
  • Cough, nasal congestion, fever, sore throat.
  • Anaemia, including iron deficiency and related conditions.
  • Other issues related to allergology and internal medicine.

During consultations, Dr. Nazarchuk takes a thorough, structured approach — analysing symptoms, identifying potential causes, and helping patients make informed decisions. Whether treatment, further investigation, or monitoring is needed, he explains each step clearly so you understand your health and how best to manage it.

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€55
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