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Personally, I do not believe it is life threatening, however I would consult a physician. Only your doctor knows your medical history. What may be a minor condition for one individual may be a critical condition for another. Still, read the following for a brief explanation of the condition.

Definition

Costochondritis is an inflammation and associated tenderness of the cartilage (i.e., the costochondral joints) that attaches the front of the ribs to the breastbone.

Description

Costochondritis causes pain in the lower rib area or upper breastbone. Some patients fear they are having a heart attack. The most severe pain is usually between the breast and the upper abdomen. The pain may be greater when in sitting or reclining positions. Stress may aggravate this condition. Generally the third or fourth ribs are affected. However, any of the seven costochondral junctions may be affected, and more often than not more than one site is involved. The inflammation can involve cartilage areas on both sides of the sternum, but usually is on one side only. Costochondritis should be distinguished from Tietze Syndrome, which is an inflammation involving the same area of the chest, but also includes swelling.

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16y ago

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Related Questions

Can radiation cause costochondritis?

There is no direct link between radiation exposure and costochondritis. Costochondritis is typically caused by inflammation in the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. However, radiation therapy can sometimes lead to inflammation in the chest area, which may present similar symptoms to costochondritis.


Can coughing too much cause costochondritis?

The coughing, itself, will not cause costochondritis, but if there is a viral infection in the chest, then that may be the cause.


What is the medical definition of costochondritis?

Costochondritis is when one has inflammation and tenderness of the cartilage. One can learn more about this symptom, as well as how to treat it at the Mayo Clinic website.


The medical term describes an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the sternum?

According to a pulmonologist, its called costochondritis.CostochondritisYes, costochondritis is sinflammation of the cartilage that joins the rib to the sternum. Another term for costochondritis is Tzietze's syndrome.


What is the ICD-9-CM code for costochondritis?

733.6


What is the ICD 9 CM code for costochondritis?

733.6


What specialist treats costochondritis?

A rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist typically treats costochondritis. It is also common for primary care physicians to diagnose and manage this condition. Treatment may involve a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.


Is there any connection MRSA and costochondritis?

Yes, there can be a connection between MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and costochondritis. MRSA is a type of bacteria that can cause various infections, including skin infections and, in some cases, infections of the bones or joints. Costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, can occur due to infections, including those caused by MRSA, although it is more commonly associated with physical strain or injury. If an individual with costochondritis has a history of MRSA or shows signs of infection, medical evaluation is essential.


What is the medical term meaning inflammation of the coastal muscles?

Costochondritis is inflammation of the muscles in the ribs


What is costochondritis syndrome?

A disease for when you like love money and you have to spend all your money on something..


What is the ICD9 code for costochondritis?

ICD-9-CM diagnosis code is 733.6


Costochondritis is an imflamation of the cartilage?

Costochondritis is commonly known as inflammation in a rib or cartilage in the sternum. This is expressed as a common cause of chest pain. It affects the axial skeleton. Within the axial skeleton the condition affects the sternum, which is also known as the breastbone. The three parts of the sternum are classified as the manubrium, body and xiphoid process. However, it commonly only affects the manubrium and body because of the specific coastal cartilage in that area. Costochondritis is also considered to be a part of the musculoskeletal.The causes of costochondritis are very sporadic. It is most commonly due to repeated damage to the cartilage in the sternum. This could be from a micro trauma that is continued through a lengthy period of time. It could also be due to repeated stress, which would lower ones immune system severely. Thus, leading to an infection that could cause inflamed tendons in ones sternum. Specifically viral and repertory infections are the most common causes of costochondritis. Athletes in particular may suffer from costochondritis because of certain physical activity, which would lead to cumulative trauma disorder. This is a repeated strain or injury to the body and it is identified as irritation to a specific body part. After a traumatic injury to the chest, patients may experience costochondritis due to the hypersensitivity to that area. Although, many times the cause of costochondritis is unknown. Costochondritis can also be a symptom of other generalized diseases such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. In rare cases it can be a cause of a viral infection.