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What Causes Lower Chest Pain And Swelling Under The Ribs?

Posted on Mon, 23 May 2016

Question: I have had lower chest pain and swelling over ribs under both breast since October. Was told I have costochondritis due to being hyperthyroidism. Saw cardiologist and he did an EKG, Echocardiogram and nuclear stress test was diagnosed as having mild mitral valve regurgitation. Chest X-ray showed slight enlargement in October but the Chest X-ray done in January was normal. Had ultrasound done it was normal as well. This is very uncomfortable that I can't wear a bra. I have been given Motrin to take for inflammation. What else can I do to find the cause of the pain and swelling?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry for heart or lung related diseases.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the image you have attached.
Since your all reports are normal, no need to worry for major heart or lung related diseases.
Your pain is musculoskeletal only.
Possibility of either too tight bra or obesity is more.
So better to wear appropriate size bra.
Try to loose some weight and stay fit and healthy.
Avoid movements causing pain.
Apply warm water pad on affected areas.
Avoid bad postures in sleep.
Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise.
Combination of painkiller and muscle relaxant drugs is beneficial in your case.
Don't worry, you will be alright with all these.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (15 minutes later)

I am not over weight I am only 125 pounds and my bra is not too tight. Also have high blood pressure due to hyperthyroidism. I haven't done any strenuous exercise.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Have you tried application of warm water pad?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No need to worry for heart diseases because your all reports are normal.
Please let me know
1. Is your blood pressure under control?
2. Have you tried application of warm water pad?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (34 minutes later)

I have tried warm water or heating pad. I am blood pressure meds since October. I have tried not wearing a bra just a tank top or sports bra. Lower back and sternum are sore. Is it normal for Costochondritis to last this long from October until now. The pain would radiate down my arm and sometimes side of my neck. Is there anything else I can have done other than chest X-ray and ultrasound?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No, costochondritis usually heals in 1-2 months.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Usual time for recovery in costochondritis is 1-2 months.
Vitamin b 12 deficiency, calcium and vitamin d 3 deficiency can cause similar symptoms.
So please let me know
1. Have you ever undergone vitamin D3 and calcium level?
2. Have you ever undergone vitamin b 12 level?
3. Do you have pain worsening with movements of chest area? Do you have pain on pressing?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar