Costochondritis hard to breathe. Costochondritis and Breathing Difficulties: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

03.07.202326.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the main causes of sharp chest pain when breathing. How can you differentiate between costochondritis and other conditions. What treatment options are available for costochondritis and related chest pain conditions. When should you seek urgent medical care for chest pain.

Содержание

Understanding Costochondritis and Its Impact on Breathing

Costochondritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the cartilage connecting the breastbone to the ribs. This condition can cause significant discomfort and breathing difficulties for those affected. The pain associated with costochondritis can range from mild to severe, often radiating to the back and intensifying during respiration.

While the exact cause of costochondritis remains unclear, several factors may contribute to its development:

Chest injuries
Strenuous exercise
Severe coughing episodes
Joint infections

Understanding the nature of costochondritis is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. How does costochondritis differ from other chest pain conditions? Unlike conditions such as pneumonia or pleurisy, costochondritis pain is typically localized to the chest wall and doesn’t usually involve other symptoms like fever or cough.

Common Causes of Sharp Chest Pain When Breathing

While costochondritis is a frequent cause of chest pain, several other conditions can lead to sharp pain during inhalation. These include:

1. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection characterized by inflammation of the air sacs, which can fill with fluid or pus. This condition can cause chest pain during breathing, along with symptoms such as:

Cough with green or rusty phlegm
High fever and chills
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue and sweating
Rapid heartbeat

2. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the space between the lungs and chest wall, causing part or all of a lung to collapse. This condition can result from chest injuries or underlying lung diseases. Symptoms may include:

Sudden, sharp chest pain
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Heart palpitations
Fatigue
Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin or lips)

3. Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the tissue lining the chest cavity and covering the lungs. It often results from viral or bacterial infections and can cause:

Sharp chest pain that worsens during breathing
Pain radiating to the shoulders and back
Shortness of breath
Coughing

4. Chest Trauma

Traumatic injuries to the chest, whether from sports, accidents, or surgical procedures, can lead to sharp pain during breathing. Symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath
Pain radiating to the neck or back
Coughing up blood
Bruising of the chest wall

Diagnosing Costochondritis and Related Conditions

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of chest pain conditions. How do healthcare professionals differentiate between costochondritis and other causes of chest pain? The diagnostic process typically involves:

A thorough medical history review
Physical examination, including palpation of the chest wall
Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to rule out other conditions
Blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammation

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to rule out cardiac conditions or other serious underlying issues. What specific diagnostic criteria are used for costochondritis? The diagnosis is often based on the presence of localized tenderness in the costal cartilages and the absence of other explaining conditions.

Treatment Options for Costochondritis and Chest Pain

The approach to treating costochondritis and related chest pain conditions varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. For costochondritis specifically, treatment options may include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
Physical therapy, including stretching exercises and nerve stimulation
Heat therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing
Corticosteroid injections for severe cases
Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms

How long does it typically take for costochondritis to resolve with treatment? While the condition often improves on its own within a few weeks, some cases may persist for several months. Consistent adherence to treatment recommendations can help expedite recovery.

Managing Breathing Difficulties Associated with Chest Pain

Breathing difficulties often accompany chest pain conditions, causing distress and discomfort. What strategies can help manage these symptoms? Consider the following approaches:

Practice deep breathing exercises to improve lung capacity
Use a humidifier to moisten the air and ease breathing
Maintain good posture to reduce strain on the chest wall
Apply cold or warm compresses to the affected area for relief
Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend using an inhaler or other medications to help manage breathing difficulties. How can you determine which breathing management strategies are most effective for your specific condition? Keeping a symptom journal and discussing your experiences with your healthcare provider can help tailor your treatment plan.

Preventing Recurrence of Costochondritis and Related Conditions

While not all cases of costochondritis and chest pain are preventable, certain measures can help reduce the risk of recurrence or initial onset. These include:

Practicing proper lifting techniques to avoid chest strain
Gradually increasing exercise intensity to prevent overexertion
Maintaining good posture during daily activities
Managing underlying conditions that may contribute to chest inflammation
Avoiding repetitive movements that strain the chest wall

How can you incorporate these preventive measures into your daily routine? Start by assessing your current habits and identifying areas where you can make improvements. Gradually implement changes and monitor their impact on your symptoms over time.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care for Chest Pain

While many cases of chest pain can be managed at home or with routine medical care, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:

Severe, crushing chest pain
Chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea
Pain that radiates to the jaw, left arm, or back
Sudden, intense chest pain with a feeling of tearing in the chest or back
Chest pain associated with fainting or loss of consciousness

How can you differentiate between a medical emergency and less urgent chest pain? Pay attention to the intensity, duration, and associated symptoms of your chest pain. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical evaluation.

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Recovery and Prevention

Adopting certain lifestyle changes can complement medical treatment and help prevent future episodes of costochondritis and related chest pain conditions. Consider implementing the following modifications:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the chest wall
Engage in low-impact exercises to improve overall fitness
Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
Ensure adequate sleep and rest to support healing
Follow a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods

How can you determine which lifestyle modifications will be most beneficial for your specific situation? Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and health goals.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for costochondritis and related chest pain conditions, you can take proactive steps to manage your health and improve your quality of life. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment recommendations tailored to your individual circumstances.

Chest, ribs, causes, and more

A sharp pain in the chest or ribs when breathing in may be due to a muscle strain or anxiety. But, it can sometimes indicate an injury, pneumonia, pleurisy, or pericarditis, which may need urgent medical attention.

Pain around the chest and ribs will often resolve on its own or with minimal treatment. However, it can occasionally be an emergency, requiring urgent medical intervention.

In this article, we discuss seven possible causes of sharp pain when breathing in and explain when to seek medical attention.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation of the air sacs, which fill up with fluid or pus. Pneumonia occurs as a result of bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The severity of the condition depends on a person’s age and overall health.

People with pneumonia often experience chest pain when breathing in. The other symptoms, which may range from mild to severe, include:

a cough
coughing up sputum, a green or rusty phlegm, from the lungs
high fever
chills
difficulty breathing
fatigue
sweating
fast heartbeat

Both the type of pneumonia and the severity of the condition will determine the treatment options.

For bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common form, antibiotics may help treat the symptoms.
Antiviral medications, rest, and a high intake of fluids may help treat pneumonia resulting from a virus.
Antifungal medications may help treat fungal types of pneumonia.

A doctor may also recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications to reduce the symptoms of pneumonia.

Learn more about pneumonia here.

Pneumothorax, also known as a collapsed lung, occurs when air enters the pleural cavity, which is a space between the lungs and chest wall. The air accumulation can increase pressure in the pleural cavity, making part of a lung or even an entire lung collapse.

Pneumothorax can occur as a result of a chest injury or an underlying lung disease, such as tuberculosis.

People with pneumothorax may experience sharp pain in the chest that worsens during breathing or coughing. The degree of collapse determines the signs and symptoms of pneumothorax.

These may include:

shortness of breath
sudden chest pain
tightness in the chest
heart palpitations
fatigue
cyanosis, which is where the skin or lips turn slightly blue

Treatment for pneumothorax involves inserting a chest tube or needle to remove excess air from the pleural cavity. For mild cases, the condition may heal without this procedure being necessary.

Learn more about pneumothorax here.

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, a tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the outside surface of the lungs. Pleurisy often results from viral or bacterial infection, with viral pleurisy being among the most common causes. People with pleurisy tend to experience sharp pain, particularly in the chest, when inhaling.

Symptoms of pleurisy include:

sharp pain in the chest that worsens during breathing
pain that radiates to the shoulders and back
shortness of breath
coughing

The treatment for pleurisy will depend on the cause of the underlying condition. For instance, if the condition is due to a bacterial infection, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics to manage the symptoms.

For the pain and inflammation that pleurisy causes, a doctor will recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.

Learn more about pleurisy here.

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage, a tissue that connects the breastbone and ribs. The chest pain that costochondritis causes can range from mild to severe.

People with costochondritis often experience chest pain, which may radiate to the back.

The exact cause of costochondritis is unclear. However, the condition may result from a chest injury, strenuous exercise, severe coughing, or a joint infection.

Costochondritis typically heals on its own. However, a doctor may prescribe NSAIDs to relieve pain. Physical therapy, including stretching exercises and nerve stimulation, may also be helpful, as may heat treatment.

If other measures do not work, a doctor might recommend injecting corticosteroids or numbing medication directly into the affected area.

Learn more about costochondritis here.

A traumatic injury to the chest may result from a sports-related incident, a surgical procedure, or an accident, such as a fall from a height. Approximately two-thirds of people who experience physical trauma have chest trauma, with the severity ranging from a rib fracture to injury of the heart.

Chest trauma can lead to sharp pain when breathing in. Other symptoms of chest trauma may include:

shortness of breath
pain that radiates to the neck or back
coughing up blood
bruising of the chest wall

Doctors will determine the best treatment for chest trauma based on the cause and severity. For instance, if a person is gasping for air, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will likely be the first approach. People with chest trauma should seek immediate medical attention.

Learn more about broken ribs here.

Severe stress and anxiety may cause anxiety attacks, a possible symptom of which is sharp pain when breathing in.

An anxiety attack can produce a stabbing, needle-like sensation in the middle of the chest. The dread of an upcoming event or a fear that something could happen typically triggers the condition. People may experience the following symptoms during an anxiety attack:

chest pain
heart palpitations
difficulty breathing
lightheadedness
sweating
a headache

Treatment options for anxiety-related disorders include:

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
support groups for people with specific conditions
prescription antidepressants or anxiolytics to reduce the symptoms, in some cases

Anyone considering seeking professional help should ensure that they select a well-trained and qualified professional.

Learn more about anxiety attacks here.

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like tissue surrounding the heart. The cause of pericarditis remains unclear, but viral infections are a common cause. Other factors may also cause pericarditis, including:

injury to the heart or surgery
inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
other health conditions, including tuberculosis or kidney failure

People with pericarditis experience sharp pain when breathing in or a dull ache that may feel better when sitting upright or leaning forward. The pain may also radiate to the left shoulder and neck. Other symptoms of pericarditis can include:

fever
shortness of breath
lightheadedness
heart palpitations
swelling of the abdomen and legs
a cough

The best treatment for pericarditis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If the condition is mild, it usually gets better on its own. For more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe OTC pain relievers and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Learn more about pericarditis here.

Sharp pain when breathing in can sometimes be a sign of a life threatening condition, such as a heart attack. A person should speak with a doctor about any unexplained sharp pain when breathing in, particularly if it occurs alongside the following symptoms:

difficulty breathing
chest tightness or pain
severe shortness of breath
rapid breathing
air hunger, which refers to the inability to breathe in sufficient air
sudden dizziness
fever
excessive sweating

Experiencing sharp pain when breathing in can be worrying. Although the condition may not be a cause for alarm — at least in most cases — it can sometimes be a sign of a severe illness.

The condition may arise due to various causes, including chest trauma and other medical conditions, such as pneumonia.

Anyone experiencing sharp pain when breathing in should speak with a doctor, who will likely want to carry out an evaluation to diagnose the cause. Once they have confirmed this, the doctor will be able to put a treatment plan in place.

Chest Pain, Dizziness, Shortness of Breath

Chest Pain

There are many types of, and reasons for, chest pain. Chest pain can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or even burning or crushing. At times, chest pain radiates into the neck, shoulder, back or jaw, or down the arms. Although it can be the result of injury or disease, the most life-threatening conditions causing chest pain involve the lungs or the heart.

Causes of Chest Pain

All chest pain should be medically evaluated, since some chest pain requires urgent medical, or even surgical, intervention.

Digestive Causes of Chest Pain
Some chest pain is caused by digestive problems of varying degrees of seriousness:
Heartburn or acid reflux
Swallowing disorders
Disorders of the gallbladder or pancreas may also present with chest pain.
Heart-Related Causes of Chest Pain
There are a variety of heart-related causes, including the following, for chest pain:
Heart attack
Angina
Aortic dissection
Pericarditis
If a heart-related cause of chest pain is found, further testing must be performed to determine what treatment is necessary.
Lung-Related Causes of Chest Pain
In many cases, chest pain is caused by the following lung conditions and diseases:
Pleurisy, pneumonia or bronchitis
Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary embolism (clot in lung)
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
When the underlying causes of chest pain are lung-related, breathing tests are performed. The patient may require administration of oxygen, medications to assist breathing, or surgical intervention.
Other Causes of Chest Pain
Chest pain has numerous other causes, some related to injuries, and others to localized or systemic diseases:
Costochondritis (inflammation of rib-cage cartilage)
Bruised or broken ribs
Sore muscles
Chronic pain syndrome or fibromyalgia
Shingles can also be a cause of chest pain.

Medical evaluations of chest pain, which usually take place in an emergency room, test first for its most-serious possible causes; this allows life-threatening conditions to be treated or ruled out as quickly as possible.

Dizziness

Dizziness, a common complaint, encompasses a variety of sensations, and can occur for a variety of reasons. Although dizziness can have a benign cause, such as standing up quickly from a prone position, it can be a symptom of a serious disorder, such as a stroke. In order to determine causation, it is important to note the onset of dizziness, the particular sensation experienced, any concomitant symptoms, and the duration or recurrence of the episode.

Types of Dizziness

There are different types of dizziness. Because dizziness can result from disorders in many different parts of the body, its cause is partially traced by specific symptoms.

Vertigo
The sensation of spinning known as vertigo may result from the following:
Change of position
Inner-ear inflammation
Meniere’s disease
Vestibular migraine
Acoustic neuroma
Vertigo is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and problems with balance.
Feeling Faint
Feeling faint (lightheaded) can be accompanied by nausea, paleness and clamminess. Most often, it is caused by either a drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), or inadequate blood output from the heart as a result of cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia.
Disequilibrium
Disequilibrium, the sense of being off balance, may cause an unsteady gait, and the feeling of being about to fall. It can be caused by the following:
Inner-ear problems
Peripheral neuropathy
Muscle weakness or osteoarthritis
Neurological conditions
Side effects of sedatives or tranquilizers
Disequilibrium may be exacerbated by darkness.
Floating, Swimming or Spaciness
More-vague sensations of dizziness include a feeling of floating or swimming, or a sense of being disconnected or “spaced out.” Assuming other causes have been ruled out, these sensations may be caused by the following:
Anxiety or panic attacks
Anemia
Hypoglycemia
Dehydration or being overheated

Depending on the patient’s symptoms and a complete examination, the doctor is usually able to trace and treat dizziness’s cause, whether it is benign or serious.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a symptom with a great many possible causes. When patients experience shortness of breath, they feel as if they cannot take in enough air. This difficulty in breathing may be caused by myriad conditions, some relatively benign and some life-threatening. Serious cardiological reasons for shortness of breath include heart attack, cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, cardiac tamponade and pericarditis.

Other possible causes of shortness of breath include overexertion, severe anxiety or panic attack, a blocked airway, reaction to environmental allergens or pollutants, lung disease, hypertension or hypotension, traumatic injury, and hormonal or enzyme imbalances. If shortness of breath is due to the congestion associated with an upper-respiratory infection, it usually resolves on its own in a matter of days, though bacterial infections may require the administration of an antibiotic. Obesity can be an exacerbating factor in shortness of breath.

Shortness of breath accompanied by any of the following symptoms demands immediate attention:

Coughing or wheezing
Choking
Fainting or loss of consciousness

Chest pain
Heart irregularities
Digestive issues or back pain

While occasional, explicable bouts of shortness of breath are normal, when they are intense, prolonged or recurrent, their root causes can only be determined through comprehensive medical examination.

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about how we can treat your condition?

Schedule an Appointment

method for the treatment of postoperative chest pain Articles

” Back

Why use cryoanalgesia during surgery if anesthesia exists? The answer lies not in the surgical intervention itself, but in what awaits the patient after it. Little is said and written about the postoperative period, but for many this is a serious test. In this article, we will touch on the topic of chest surgery, talk about cryoneurolysis of the intercostal nerves and postoperative rehabilitation.

An operation is one way or another tissue damage, albeit intentional and controlled, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the rehabilitation period is often accompanied by pain and discomfort. In order to make it easier for the patient to endure the recovery period, many approaches have been developed – analgesics, physiotherapy, immobilization. Isn’t that enough? Alas, analgesics carry a number of side effects, some cause respiratory depression and cough reflex, and the use of anesthetics may be accompanied by hypotension and weakness of the respiratory muscles. Since cryoanalgesia is well integrated into the schemes of many approaches to pain therapy, from trigeminal neuralgia to myofascial pain syndrome, a natural question arises – can this procedure help in surgical practice?

In order to answer it, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of cryoneurolysis and in what cases we can apply it.

The mechanism of action is based on the ability of extreme cold (more than -20 C) to cause axonal degeneration without affecting the nerve sheath, which makes it possible for it to regenerate within several months. Cryoanalgesia has already been tried in surgery, and many prefer it, describing a pronounced and long-lasting effect, better tolerability of the postoperative period.

Intraoperative cryoanalgesia technique

The open access cryoanalgesia technique is slightly different from the percutaneous probe technique. Of the obvious advantages – through an incision in the chest, it was possible to act on the nerve directly.

And now let’s imagine ourselves near the operating table, on which the patient is lying, the chest incision has been made, and now our task is to integrate analgesia into the operation process. The nerve is clearly visible under the transparent plate of the parietal pleura. We take a cryoprobe, carefully, pinpoint it to the nerve at the posterior corner of the rib. Since each rib is innervated from the upper and lower ribs, it is recommended to freeze the nerves above and below the incision line.

The nerves are exposed, so one or two freezing cycles is enough. With percutaneous access, it is necessary to take into account the deeper lung and intercostal artery, which serve as a source of heat and reduce the effectiveness of the procedure.

The traditional technique for intercostal nerve blocks is to insert the needle strictly perpendicular to the lower edge of the rib, then move away from the edge of the bone and stop just above the parietal pleura. The disadvantage of this technique is that the nerve can lie under the bend of the rib, in which case it will be inaccessible, moreover, the introduction of the probe strictly perpendicular to the nerve reduces the area of freezing. Due to the risk of the needle getting into the pleural cavity, you will have to take a smaller probe; all these factors reduce the effectiveness of manipulation several times.

The technique I recommend is somewhat different. I suggest going to the edge of the rib tangentially, from front to back, gradually pushing the tip of the probe under the edge of the rib. This technique allows us to significantly reduce the risk of pneumothorax, increase the area of contact with the nerve and use a larger probe in order to overcome the heat from the intercostal artery.

Clinical efficacy of cryoanalgesia

The first surgeon to describe the experience of cryoneurolysis during surgery was Nelson K.M. at 1974 year. The decision to seek help from the latest techniques at that time was made on the basis of serious complaints from patients – after chest surgery, many found it difficult to breathe and cough painfully. Sometimes these symptoms did not bother me for long, but sometimes it turned into a serious problem, which even opioid analgesics could not solve. The results of the study are as follows: cryoanalgesia best of all stopped pain at the site of a direct chest incision. Pain that occurs after irritation of the parietal pleura decreased with freezing proximal to the branch of the collateral intercostal nerve. Since the visceral pleura receives the main innervation from autonomic nerve fibers, in this case, the pain syndrome decreased slightly. And there was no effect in the treatment of pain that occurs after drainage of the pleural cavity. Nelson came to the conclusion that since different structures are involved in thoracotomy, the use of cryoablation as the only method of treatment is not advisable. However, as a result of this study, patients noted significant relief of postoperative pain and less need for opioid analgesics, both in the first hours of the postoperative period and after a few weeks.

Another study was carried out very soon – in 1981, Orr also studied the effects of cryoneurolysis, comparing its effect with the introduction of morphine. The study involved 45 people who were divided into 3 groups: one group of patients underwent cryoanalgesia during surgery, the other received morphine intravenously, the control group received intramuscular injections of morphine in the postoperative period, the dose of analgesic was the same. All patients were under general anesthesia during the operation, two groups receiving morphine underwent blockade of the intercostal nerves with a local anesthetic – 0.5% bupivacaine, while the group subjected to cryoanalgesia underwent nerve dissection followed by freezing for 45 seconds. As a result, it turned out that, compared with the control group, cryoanalgesia provided a lower need for analgesics in the future, and since the dose of morphine was the same, this result was also typical for the second group.

Ultimately, the authors of the study concluded that, despite the fact that cryoneurolysis increases the time of the operation itself by 10 minutes, and requires more technical equipment than the administration of morphine, the significant reduction in pain and ease of tolerance of the postoperative period outweigh all the disadvantages associated with technical component.

One of the possible complications of cryoneurolysis is associated with freezing of the 3rd and 4th intercostal nerves, which is clinically manifested by anesthesia in the nipple area. Riopelle proposed to solve this problem by freezing the nerves no higher than the 5th intercostal space. Denervation of the intercostal nerves usually does not entail serious consequences, but due to a decrease in the tone of the internal and external oblique muscles of the abdomen, a barely noticeable swelling under the rib is sometimes formed, which resolves, however, with the restoration of sensitivity. In one case, a neuroma formed at the site of cryoablation, and in several patients, sensitivity decreased for up to six months.

Further comparative studies have shown that the combination of cryoneurolysis with epidural anesthesia gives a good effect. Also, many noted that the time spent on freezing the nerves at different levels reduces the effectiveness of the procedure.

Now, having turned to research, having understood the mechanism of work and the range of application of cryoanalgesia, we can answer the question: “Is it worth using cryoneurolysis in surgical practice?”. Despite some complications, this technique significantly improved the condition of almost all patients participating in the studies, reduced the need for analgesics and the duration of postoperative recovery.

Treatment of chronic chest pain

Based on the accumulated experience in the treatment of postoperative pain syndrome, a number of surgeons have decided to try cryoanalgesia in the treatment of chronic conditions. Postoperative neuroma, costochondritis (inflammation of the costal cartilage), postherpetic neuralgia, rib fractures – this is an incomplete list of chronic, life-threatening pathologies. Two large studies have been carried out. The first was organized by Green, who studied the effectiveness of cryoanalgesia in the treatment of postherpetic and intercostal neuralgia. The study involved 43 patients, 50 percent noted a marked reduction in pain for 3 months, moreover, the return of sensation did not lead to the appearance of pain. The second study involved 70 people with chest pain of various etiologies. There was also a decrease in pain, the duration of the effect varied from a week to 12 months, depending on the pathology. Postherpetic neuralgia reacted worst of all to cryoneurolysis.

Thus, it was found that cryoanalgesia can be used in a wide variety of areas of surgical practice and is an excellent addition to many therapy regimens. The technique improves the well-being of patients for a long time, does not require much time and is accompanied by minimal complications.

Ultrasound, CT, MRI or ECG for hypochondrium pain

Content

Abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT, MRI of the thoracic spine and electrocardiography (ECG) are instrumental methods for diagnosing hypochondrium pain. Based on the primary symptoms, medical history, contraindications and diagnostic purposes, the therapist prescribes the necessary examination methods.

In most cases, blood and urine tests, ECG, abdominal ultrasound, chest X-ray are selected as the primary diagnostic method. If the results of the study are alarming or unclear, additionally prescribed:

CT scan of the abdominal cavity
CT scan of the chest
MRI of the thoracic spine
gastric endoscopy
consultation with a hepatologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist or neurologist.

Causes of pain in the right and left hypochondrium

The hypochondrium refers to the two subcostal regions in the upper third of the abdomen: the left hypochondrium and the right hypochondrium. They are located on the sides of the abdominal wall, respectively, below (below) the chest, separated by the epigastrium. The chest consists of 24 ribs – 12 on the left side and 12 on the right side of the body. Their function is to protect the organs below them. On the left side are the heart, left lung, pancreas, spleen, stomach and left kidney. When any of these organs become infected, inflamed, or damaged, pain can occur in the hypochondrium. It is also possible damage to the ribs themselves, which can provoke pain. Depending on the cause, pain in the hypochondrium can be acute, stabbing, dull, or chronic. Pain under the left hypochondrium can be related to the heart and can sometimes signal a medical emergency, such as a heart attack.

Myocardial infarction and pain in the left hypochondrium

Myocardial infarction may present as pressure pain in the left hypochondrium with the following symptoms: pain, discomfort or heaviness in the chest, usually in the middle or left, pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulders , arms, back or above the navel, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Pericarditis and left hypochondrium pain

The heart is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called the pericardium, inflammation of this sac. It causes a dull or stabbing pain in the chest or hypochondrium, which is usually aggravated by lying down.

Costochondritis and pain in the hypochondrium

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs and breastbone. The disease can occur for several reasons, such as: infection, injury, severe cough. Costochondritis causes a sharp stabbing pain that is usually felt in the left side of the chest and hypochondrium. It is aggravated by coughing, sneezing, or pressure on the ribs.

Broken or bruised ribs and pain in the hypochondrium

Severe blow or trauma to the chest is the most common cause of bruised or fractured ribs. When a rib is broken, the pain is likely to be severe. It may feel like it is difficult to breathe. Broken ribs can sometimes cause serious complications such as a collapsed lung, damage to blood vessels or organs such as the spleen, or rupture of the chest, which is a medical emergency that occurs with multiple rib fractures.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hypochondrium pain

Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are 2 different diseases of the digestive system. The causes of IBS and IBD are not fully known. IBS and VSD cause constant, long-lasting pain in the abdomen, from the chest to the hips. In addition, conditions can cause pain in the left hypochondrium. The diseases also cause digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas. Signs come and go. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome usually improve after a bowel movement.

Pancreatitis and hypochondrium pain

The pancreas is a gland located next to the small intestine, on the left side of the abdomen. It produces insulin, which is used by the body to convert sugar into energy. It also secretes digestive juices into the small intestine to help break down the food you eat. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas due to trauma, prolonged alcohol use, or gallstones. Pain in the hypochondrium caused by pancreatitis may come on suddenly or get worse over time. Additional symptoms of pancreatitis include: fever, rapid pulse, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, jaundice. It is important to treat pancreatitis to prevent serious complications.

Enlarged or ruptured spleen and pain in the hypochondrium

The spleen is located on the left side of the body, near the chest. This organ is an important part of the immune system. It produces white blood cells that fight infection and processes other parts of the blood. An enlarged spleen, also called splenomegaly, can cause symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the hypochondrium, bloating, and feeling full after eating small amounts of food. An enlarged spleen can be caused by several causes, including: viral infections such as mononucleosis, bacterial infections such as syphilis, parasitic infections such as malaria, blood disorders, and liver disease. Pain occurs when the spleen ruptures. In addition to it, other symptoms can be observed: low blood pressure, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea.

Gastritis and pain in the hypochondrium

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, which is also located on the left side of the chest. It does not always cause symptoms, but possible symptoms include: pain in the upper abdomen and hypochondrium, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, nausea, vomiting. Causes of gastritis: Helicobacter pylori infection, frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, long-term alcohol consumption in large quantities.

Kidney stones or infection and pain in the hypochondrium

The kidneys are part of the urinary tract. They are located on either side of the spine. When they become inflamed or infected, the pain may radiate from the front of the body. With kidney damage, pain often radiates to the chest and hypochondrium. Kidney stones are hardened deposits of calcium and salt. They cause spasms when they leave the kidneys and go to the bladder. In addition to pain in the hypochondrium and chest, kidney stones also cause frequent urination, cloudy urine, urine with blood, pain in the side that radiates to the front of the body. Kidney infections occur when bacteria from the urinary tract enters the kidneys. This is usually due to a bladder infection. Additional symptoms of a kidney infection may include fever and nausea.

Hepatitis and right hypochondrium pain

Hepatitis is a collective term for inflammatory diseases of the liver. This disease develops due to viral infections, alcohol abuse, toxic poisoning, uncontrolled medication and a number of other reasons. Hepatitis is acute and chronic, and is also classified into several types: A, B, C, D and E. Most often, the disease is spread through contaminated food, dirty water, and unprotected sex. Symptoms of the disease include: general malaise, pain in the right hypochondrium, fatigue, jaundice, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, nausea and vomiting, and bloating.

Pleurisy and hypochondrium pain

Pleurisy occurs when the tissue surrounding the lungs becomes inflamed. Causes of pleurisy include the following conditions: pneumonia, blood clot in the lungs, trauma, cancer that has spread from another part of the body to the tissues surrounding the lungs, cancer that particularly affects the tissues surrounding the lungs, such as mesothelioma. Pleurisy can cause pain in the right or left hypochondrium, sharp, stabbing pain in the chest when breathing. Be sure to see a therapist if you experience severe pain when breathing.

Ultrasound, CT, MRI or ECG in diagnosing the causes of pain in the hypochondrium

Primary diagnosis of the causes of pain in the right and left hypochondrium is done by a general practitioner. To find out the cause of pain in the hypochondrium, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, including feeling the affected area. This will help check for signs of swelling or inflammation, which could be caused by conditions such as costochondritis. If the doctor suspects that the pain may be caused by a heart problem, they will order an ECG to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This will help rule out any serious cardio disease.

The doctor will then take samples of blood, stool or urine for analysis. The results will alert your doctor to signs of kidney problems, pancreatitis, or gastritis. If the cause of chest pain is still not clear, an imaging study may be needed, for example:

Ultrasound or CT scan of the kidneys
Cardiac ultrasound
Ultrasound or MRI of the abdomen
X-ray or computed tomography of the chest
x-ray of ribs
MRI of the thoracic spine
gastric endoscopy.

Is it better to do ultrasound, MRI or CT?

The selection of the required examination method should be carried out by an experienced physician. The specialist makes the appointment of a diagnostic method based on the patient’s well-being, symptoms of the disease, contraindications and diagnostic goals.

In terms of radiation exposure

Radiation exposure has CT (MSCT) and radiography. The radiation dose received during the examination is not a constant value. It depends on several factors: which area is examined (the radiation dose for different protocols is different), the power of CT or X-ray machine. The average dose for a CT scan is between 2 and 15 mSv. The average dose during X-ray examination varies from 0.03 to 7 mSv.

Due to the negative effect of radiation on tissues and the already existing pathological processes in the body, experts recommend undergoing a CT scan only as prescribed by the attending physician. Patients under the age of 18 in medical clinics in St. Petersburg can only have a CT scan if they have a doctor’s referral and are accompanied by their parents or legal representatives.

MRI and ultrasound are diagnostic methods that do not have radiation exposure. Therefore, the patient can carry out these examinations on his own initiative.

From the point of view of accessibility

Ultrasound and X-ray are the most accessible diagnostic methods in St. Petersburg medical centers. MRI and CT are expert and expensive types of examination. Therefore, their doctors usually prescribe them as an additional diagnosis if the initial scans revealed a serious pathology or the patient needs additional examination.

In terms of cost

Ultrasound and X-ray are the most economical examinations. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are high-tech methods of examination, so their cost will be significantly higher than ultrasound or x-rays.

In terms of contraindications

Ultrasound is a harmless diagnostic method, it has no contraindications. It is available to all patients regardless of age. MRI has two main contraindications – the presence of metal and electronic devices in the patient’s body. Due to radiation exposure, computed tomography has the most stringent contraindications. It should not be performed on pregnant women and is not recommended for children under 5 years of age.

Article author:

Medical specialty:

Chief Physician of the MRI Center RIORIT, Therapist

Make an appointment:

MRI and ultrasound center RIORIT

District, metro
Avtovo (metro) Admiralteiskaya (metro) Admiralteisky (district) Akademicheskaya (metro) Baltiyskaya (metro) Begovaya (metro) Borovaya (metro) Bronevaya (metro) Bukharestskaya (metro) Vasileostrovskaya (metro) Vasileostrovskiy (district) Vladimirskaya (metro) Volkovskaya ( subway) Vyborgskaya (metro) Vyborgsky (district) Gorkovskaya (metro) Gostiny Dvor (metro) Grazhdansky Prospekt (metro) Devyatkino (metro) Dostoevskaya (metro) Dunayskaya (metro) Elizarovskaya (metro) Zastavskaya (metro) Zvenigorodskaya (metro) Zvezdnaya ( metro) Zenit (former Novokrestovskaya) (metro) Kalininskiy (district) Karetnaya (metro) Kirovsky (district) Kirovsky Zavod (metro) Kolpinsky (district) Komendantsky prospect (metro) Krasnogvardeisky (district) Krasnoselskiy (district) Krestovsky island (metro) Kronstadtsky (district) Kupchino (metro) Kurortny (district) Ladozhskaya (metro) Len. region (district) Leninsky Prospekt (metro) Lesnaya (metro) Ligovsky Prospekt (metro) Lomonosovskaya (metro) Mayakovskaya (metro) Mezhdunarodnaya (metro) Moskovskaya (metro) Moscow Gates (metro) Moskovsky (district) Narvskaya (metro) Nevsky (district) ) Nevsky Prospekt (metro) Novocherkasskaya (metro) Obvodny Canal (metro) Obukhovo (metro) Ozerki (metro) Park Pobedy (metro) Parnassus (metro) Petrogradskaya (metro) Petrogradsky (district) Petrodvortsovy (district) Pionerskaya (metro) Alexander Square Nevsky (metro) Vosstaniya Square (metro) Lenina Square (metro) Muzhestva Square (metro) Polytechnicheskaya (metro) Primorskaya (metro) Primorsky (district) Proletarskaya (metro) Bolsheviks Prospect (metro) Veteranov Prospect (metro) Prosveshcheniya Prospect (metro) Prospekt Slavy (metro) Putilovskaya (metro) Pushkinskaya (metro) Pushkinsky (district) Rybatskoye (metro) Sadovaya (metro) Sennaya Square (metro) Spasskaya (metro) Sportivnaya (metro) Staraya Derevnya (metro) Teatralnaya (metro) Technological Institute ( metro) Udelnaya (metro) Dybenko Street (metro) Frunzenskaya (metro) Frunzensky (district) Central (district) Chernyshevskaya (metro) Chkalovskaya (metro) Chernaya Rechka (metro) Shushary (metro) Elektrosila (metro) Yugo-Zapadnaya (metro)

Rated

With shares 69

Open MRI

MRI 1. 5T

MRI 3T

Children’s Scientific and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases FMBA

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Address

St. Petersburg, st.

Model

MRI Philips Ingenia 1.5T semi-open type, CT Philips Ingenuity 128 m …