costochondritis chest pain

Costochondritis Symptoms

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Chest pain is the main symptom of costochondritis, most commonly caused or followed by a respiratory infection, injury or trauma, or intense exercise.

Symptoms of costochondritis include:

  • Sharp pain or tenderness in the chest, specifically where the rib attaches to the breastbone
  • Pain more common on the left side
  • Pain may occur in multiple locations on one side of the chest
  • Pain usually gets worse as you press on the cartilage or stretch the nearby muscles
  • Pain is most commonly in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th ribs
  • Pain may increase with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing

There should be no noticeable swelling with costochondritis, unless it has occurred as a result of surgery. There is a similar condition (though much more rare) called Tietze syndrome that includes swelling a symptom.

Costochondritis does not involve symptoms such as high fevers, signs of infection (e.g. pus, redness), trouble breathing (though it may hurt to breathe deeply with costochondritis) or sweating/nausea/dizziness. It’s important to see a doctor if you have chest pain or any of those symptoms.

There are many conditions that can cause chest pain. See a physician if you have any questions related to your costochondritis symptoms.