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What Is The Cause An Treatment For Costochondritis?
Question: Hello I am 27 female and had a baby two months ago . Currently I was diagnosed with costochondritis . With it I have extreme light headedness , fatigue, and shortness of breath because my ribs feel tight . I also have chest pains. My questions is since my heart ultrasound came back normal as well as my chest cat scan and X-ray is this heart related ? Doctor noticed I had a heart murmer and I have anemia 10.8 from pregnancy . My electrolytes are a bit off as well. Potassium is 3.9 etc. And last but not lease how long will costochondritis last ? This is week six for me .
Brief Answer:
You have nothing to worry about.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum).
Although it is usually self-limited and benign, it should be distinguished from other, more serious causes of chest pain.
The pain of costochondritis can be very similar to the pain associated with heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal conditions etc.
Since there is no laboratory or imaging test to confirm a diagnosis of costochondritis, it is important to rule out other conditions.
In your case that's the reason why your doctor ordered a Heart ultrasound ,CT-scan of the chest (to rule out serious conditions).
Since these tests come back normal,you don't need to worry about your heart.This is not heart related.
About the heart murmur ,since the heart ultrasound was normal you don't need to worry,It is nothing serious.
Costochondritis usually goes away on its own for some weeks,although in some cases it may last for several months or longer.
-Try to rest and avoid activities that make your pain worse.
-Take painkillers for the pain (Paracetamol,Ibuprofen etc).
You have nothing to worry about.Just be patient and you will feel better day after day.
Hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to help.
Wish you all the best.
Dr.Rovena Murati.
You have nothing to worry about.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum).
Although it is usually self-limited and benign, it should be distinguished from other, more serious causes of chest pain.
The pain of costochondritis can be very similar to the pain associated with heart disease, lung disease, gastrointestinal conditions etc.
Since there is no laboratory or imaging test to confirm a diagnosis of costochondritis, it is important to rule out other conditions.
In your case that's the reason why your doctor ordered a Heart ultrasound ,CT-scan of the chest (to rule out serious conditions).
Since these tests come back normal,you don't need to worry about your heart.This is not heart related.
About the heart murmur ,since the heart ultrasound was normal you don't need to worry,It is nothing serious.
Costochondritis usually goes away on its own for some weeks,although in some cases it may last for several months or longer.
-Try to rest and avoid activities that make your pain worse.
-Take painkillers for the pain (Paracetamol,Ibuprofen etc).
You have nothing to worry about.Just be patient and you will feel better day after day.
Hope my answer has helped.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubt to clarify.I will be happy to help.
Wish you all the best.
Dr.Rovena Murati.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Rovena thank you very much for your professional and kind answer :) I am taking it one day at a time hopefully in another six weeks I'll be feeling almost back to normal .
Brief Answer:
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again Dear!
As I said costochondritis is a benign condition so you don't need to worry.
Just be patient,follow your doctor advises and you will feel better soon.
I wish you a quick and complete recovery!
All the best.
Dr.Rovena Murati
You are welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Hello again Dear!
As I said costochondritis is a benign condition so you don't need to worry.
Just be patient,follow your doctor advises and you will feel better soon.
I wish you a quick and complete recovery!
All the best.
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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