What are the symptoms of costochondritis. How is costochondritis diagnosed. What causes inflammation of the costochondral joints. How long does costochondritis typically last. What are the most effective treatments for costochondritis pain. When should you seek medical attention for chest pain. How can you differentiate costochondritis from a heart attack.

Understanding Costochondritis: A Common Cause of Chest Pain

Costochondritis is a condition characterized by inflammation where the ribs connect to the sternum (breastbone). This inflammation can lead to sharp chest pain, particularly during movement or deep breathing. While the discomfort can be alarming, costochondritis is generally not a serious condition and often resolves on its own over time.

Key Symptoms of Costochondritis

• Sharp pain in the front or side of the chest
• Increased pain with upper body movement
• Discomfort when lying down
• Pain that worsens with deep breathing
• Tenderness when pressing on the middle of the chest

Can costochondritis be mistaken for a heart attack? While the chest pain associated with costochondritis can be concerning, it’s important to note that the condition is not related to heart problems. However, because chest pain can be a sign of more serious conditions, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation to rule out other potential causes.

Causes and Risk Factors for Costochondritis

The exact cause of costochondritis is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to its development:

• Chest injury or trauma
• Repetitive upper body movements (e.g., heavy lifting)
• Severe or prolonged coughing
• Underlying conditions such as fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis
• Infections (in rare cases)

Are certain individuals more prone to developing costochondritis? While the condition can affect anyone, it appears to be more common in women and people over the age of 40. Additionally, those who engage in activities that strain the chest wall may be at higher risk.

Diagnosing Costochondritis: What to Expect

Diagnosing costochondritis typically involves a physical examination and a review of your medical history. Your healthcare provider may:

1. Apply pressure to your chest wall to check for tenderness
2. Ask about your symptoms and when they started
3. Perform tests to rule out other conditions, such as heart problems or lung infections

How is costochondritis differentiated from other chest pain causes? Unlike heart-related chest pain, costochondritis pain is usually sharper and more localized. It also tends to worsen with movement or pressure on the chest wall. However, because chest pain can have serious underlying causes, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Costochondritis

While costochondritis often resolves on its own, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and promote recovery:

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with costochondritis.

Rest and Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms and allowing the affected area to rest can aid in healing.

Heat or Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to the chest area may help reduce pain and inflammation. Some individuals find relief with alternating between the two.

Gentle Stretching and Physical Therapy

Specific stretches and exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce tension in the chest wall muscles.

Steroid Injections

In cases of severe or persistent pain, a healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

How long does it typically take for costochondritis to resolve? The duration of costochondritis can vary significantly between individuals. Some people experience relief within a few weeks, while others may have symptoms that persist for several months. Consistent treatment and patience are often key to recovery.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Chest Pain

While costochondritis is generally not serious, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe chest pain
• Pain that spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea accompanying chest pain
• Chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack or other serious condition requiring urgent medical care. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional evaluation.

Living with Costochondritis: Coping Strategies and Lifestyle Adjustments

For individuals dealing with costochondritis, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:

Posture Improvement

Maintaining good posture can help reduce strain on the chest wall and alleviate discomfort. Consider using ergonomic chairs and adjusting your workspace to promote better posture.

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate muscle tension and pain. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga may help manage costochondritis symptoms.

Sleep Position Adjustments

Finding a comfortable sleep position can be challenging with costochondritis. Experimenting with different pillows or sleeping slightly elevated may provide relief.

Gentle Exercise

While it’s important to avoid activities that worsen symptoms, gentle exercises like walking or swimming can help maintain overall health and potentially reduce pain over time.

How can you prevent costochondritis from recurring? While it’s not always possible to prevent costochondritis, taking steps to avoid chest injuries, practicing good posture, and using proper form during physical activities may help reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating the condition.

Differentiating Costochondritis from Other Chest Wall Conditions

Costochondritis is not the only condition that can cause chest wall pain. Other conditions with similar symptoms include:

Tietze Syndrome

This condition is similar to costochondritis but is characterized by swelling of the costal cartilages, which is not typically present in costochondritis.

Chest Wall Strain

Overuse or injury to the muscles of the chest wall can cause pain similar to costochondritis.

Fibromyalgia

This chronic condition can cause widespread pain, including in the chest area, and may coexist with costochondritis.

How do healthcare providers distinguish between these conditions? Accurate diagnosis often involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and sometimes imaging studies to rule out other potential causes of chest pain.

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Managing Costochondritis

While traditional medical treatments are the primary approach for managing costochondritis, some individuals find relief through complementary and alternative therapies:

Acupuncture

This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body and may help reduce pain and inflammation.

Massage Therapy

Gentle massage of the chest and surrounding areas may help relieve muscle tension and reduce pain associated with costochondritis.

Herbal Remedies

Some herbs with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric or ginger, may offer relief for some individuals. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements.

Chiropractic Care

Spinal adjustments and other chiropractic techniques may help alleviate chest wall pain in some cases.

Are complementary therapies effective for everyone with costochondritis? The effectiveness of these therapies can vary greatly between individuals. It’s important to approach any alternative treatment with caution and to discuss options with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

In conclusion, while costochondritis can be a painful and sometimes persistent condition, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively. By working closely with healthcare providers and adopting appropriate lifestyle modifications, most people with costochondritis can find relief and return to their normal activities. Remember, any unexplained or severe chest pain should always be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Costochondritis – NHS

Costochondritis is inflammation where your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone). It can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. It usually gets better on its own over time.

Check if you have costochondritis

Costochondritis may cause sharp pain in the front or side of your chest.

The pain may be worse when:

• moving your upper body
• lying down
• breathing deeply
• you press the middle of your chest

Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 if:

• you think you have costochondritis

It is important to get chest pain checked to rule out other more serious conditions.

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

You have sudden chest pain that:

• spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw
• makes your chest feel tight or heavy
• started with a shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick or being sick
• lasts more than 15 minutes

You could be having a heart attack. Call 999 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital.

Treatments for costochondritis

Costochondritis usually gets better on its own, over time. It can last for a few weeks to several months.

Painkillers that help with inflammation, like ibuprofen, may be recommended to help with the pain.

If you have very bad pain that does not get better over time, you may be offered a steroid injection to help reduce inflammation or local anaesthetic to ease the pain.

Causes of costochondritis

It is not always known what causes costochondritis, but it may be caused by:

• an injury to your chest
• repetitive upper body movements, like lifting
• coughing a lot

Sometimes it may be caused by a problem with the joints in the back, or another underlying condition like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.

It can also be caused by an infection.

Page last reviewed: 26 July 2022
Next review due: 26 July 2025

Sternum Pain: What Is It?

Pain in your sternum, or breastbone, may be caused by a number of things, including inflammation, a joint or collarbone injury, and acid reflux. Pain in your sternum may also happen with a heart attack, but this is more likely if you’re over the age of 40 and have heart disease.

Your sternum, or breastbone, connects the two sides of your rib cage together. It sits in front of many major organs located in your chest and gut, including your heart, lungs, and stomach. As a result, many conditions that don’t necessarily have anything to do with your sternum may cause pain in your sternum and the surrounding area.

Your first reaction to chest pain, especially severe or consistent chest pain, may be to think it’s a heart attack. But in many cases, chest pain has nothing to do with your heart. This is especially true if you’re under age 40 and don’t have any serious health issues or existing conditions.

Sternum pain is actually more likely caused by conditions that have to do with your muscles, your bones, or your digestive tract than with your heart or the sternum itself.

Keep reading to learn the most common reasons for sternum pain and when you should see your doctor.

The most common cause of sternum pain is a condition called costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed.

Symptoms of costochondritis include:

• sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area
• pain or discomfort in one or more ribs
• pain or discomfort that gets worse when you cough or breathe in deeply

Costochondritis doesn’t always have a specific cause, but it’s most often a result of a chest injury, strain from physical activity, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Costochondritis isn’t a serious condition and shouldn’t cause you to be concerned.

See your doctor if the pain persists or if you have other symptoms that might indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Conditions or injuries to the muscles and bones around your sternum can also cause sternum pain.

This includes:

• joint injury
• collarbone (clavicle) injury
• fractures
• hernias
• surgery on the sternum (such as open heart surgery)

These aren’t the only musculoskeletal conditions that may make your sternum hurt, but they’re among the most common.

Sternoclavicular joint injury

The sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) connects the top of your sternum with your collarbone (clavicle). Injury to this joint can cause pain and discomfort in your sternum and in the area in your upper chest where this joint exists.

Common symptoms of injury to this joint include:

• feeling mild pain or having aching and swelling around your upper chest and collarbone area
• hearing pops or clicks in the joint area
• feeling stiff around the joint or not being able to fully move your shoulder

Collarbone trauma

The collarbone is directly connected to your sternum, so injuries, dislocation, fractures, or other trauma to the collarbone can affect the sternum.

Common symptoms of collarbone trauma include:

• bruises or bumps around area of collarbone injury
• intense pain when you try to move your arm upwards
• swelling or tenderness around collarbone area
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you lift your arm
• abnormal frontward sagging of your shoulder

Sternum fracture

Fracturing your sternum can cause a lot of pain, because your sternum is involved in many of your upper body movements. This type of injury is often caused by blunt force injuries to your chest. Examples of this include your seat belt tightening in a car accident or your chest getting hit while you’re playing sports or doing other high-impact physical activity.

Common symptoms include:

• pain when you breathe in or cough
• difficulty breathing
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you move your arms
• swelling and tenderness over the sternum

Muscle strain or hernia

Pulling or straining a muscle in your chest can cause pain around your sternum.

Common symptoms of a pulled muscle include:

• pain around the pulled muscle
• discomfort when using the affected muscle
• bruising or tenderness around the affected muscle

A hernia can also cause sternum pain. A hernia happens when an organ is pushed or pulled from the area where it normally sits into a nearby part of the body.

The most common kind is a hiatal hernia. This happens when your stomach moves up past your diaphragm into your chest cavity.

Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• frequent burping
• heartburn
• having trouble swallowing
• feeling like you ate too much
• throwing up blood
• having black-colored stool

Check out: Muscle strain treatment »

Your sternum sits right in front of several major digestive organs. Conditions that affect your esophagus, stomach, and intestines can all cause sternum pain. Having heartburn or acid reflux after a meal are the most common gastrointestinal causes for sternum pain.

Heartburn

Heartburn happens when acid from your stomach leaks into your esophagus and causes chest pain. It’s common to get right after you eat. Pain usually gets worse when you lie down or bend forward.

Heartburn usually goes away without treatment after a short time.

Check out: Post-meal tips to ease heartburn »

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is similar to heartburn, but happens when stomach acid or even what’s in your stomach starts to bother or wear away the lining of your esophagus. It can be part of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• burning in your chest
• abnormal bitter taste in your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• coughing
• throat soreness or hoarseness
• feeling like you have a lump in your throat

Learn more: How to prevent acid reflux and heartburn »

Conditions that affect your lungs, windpipe (trachea), and other parts of your body that help you breathe can cause sternum pain.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy happens when your pleura gets inflamed. The pleura is made up of tissue within your chest cavity and around your lungs. In some cases, fluid can build up around this tissue. This is called pleural effusion.

Common symptoms include:

• sharp pain when you breathe in, sneeze, or cough
• feeling like you can’t get enough air
• an abnormal cough
• fever (in rare cases)

Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes that bring air into your lungs become inflamed. It often happens when you get the flu or a cold.

Bronchitis pain can also make your sternum hurt as you breathe in and out. It can last only briefly (acute bronchitis) or become a long-term condition (chronic bronchitis) due to smoking or infections.

Common bronchitis symptoms include:

• persistent wet cough that causes you to spit up mucus
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• pain or discomfort in your chest

Flu or cold symptoms that can go along with bronchitis include:

• high fever
• exhaustion
• runny nose
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Check out: 7 home remedies for bronchitis »

Pneumonia

Pneumonia happens when your lungs get infected by a virus or bacteria.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• difficulty breathing
• high fever
• persistent cough

Other conditions that affect your gastrointestinal tract or your chest muscles can cause sternum pain.

Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) happens when you get a sore on the lining of your stomach or at the bottom of your esophagus.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

• stomach pain, especially on an empty stomach, that responds to antacids
• feeling bloated
• nausea
• lack of appetite

Panic attack

A panic attack happens when you suddenly feel fear, as if something dangerous or threatening is happening, with no actual reason to be afraid. It’s often a result of stress or a symptom of mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression.

Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• feeling like something bad is about to happen
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing or swallowing
• sweating
• feeling alternately hot and cold
• stomach cramps
• chest pain

Check out: 11 ways to stop a panic attack »

Sternum pain can sometimes be the result of a heart attack. This is much less likely if you’re under age 40 or are in overall good health. They’re more likely to happen if you’re over 40 and have an existing condition, such as heart disease.

A heart attack is life-threatening. You should go to the emergency room right away if you have any symptoms besides sternum pain that may indicate a heart attack, especially if they appear without any obvious cause or if you’ve had a heart attack before.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• chest pain in the middle or left side of your chest
• pain or discomfort in your upper body, including your arms, shoulder, and jaw
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing
• sweating
• nausea

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely that you’re having a heart attack.

See your doctor right away if you have heart attack symptoms or symptoms that cause you sharp, consistent pain that gets in the way of your daily life.

You should also see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• sternum and general chest pain that has no obvious cause
• sweating, dizziness, or nausea with no specific cause
• trouble breathing
• pain that spreads from your chest throughout your upper body
• chest tightness

If you’re experiencing other symptoms and they last for more than a few days, talk to your doctor.

You can find a primary care doctor near you through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Your next steps depend on what condition might be causing your sternum pain and how severe the condition is.

You may just need to take over-the-counter pain medication or change your diet. But you may need long-term treatment if the underlying condition is more serious. In some cases, you may need surgery to treat a heart or gastrointestinal condition.

Once your doctor diagnoses the cause, they can develop a treatment plan that can help relieve the symptoms and causes of your sternum pain.

Chest pain – causes, symptoms and diagnosis, indications for seeking medical attention

Almost everyone perceives chest pain as a potential heart problem. However, there can be many reasons for discomfort. In any case, it is impossible to determine on your own what caused the discomfort. Only a qualified doctor can determine the cause.

Wrong diagnosis, lack of treatment, uncontrolled attempts to anesthetize the place of discomfort often lead to the development of severe pathologies.

To make sure that the pain is not a sign of a serious illness or to choose a treatment for an identified pathology, it is better to visit a doctor. Causes of pain can be caused by diseases of the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and neurological problems. If you do not know which doctor to make an appointment with first of all, come to the Kutuzov Medical and Diagnostic Center. We have all the experts who will help you make an accurate diagnosis. Start by making an appointment with a therapist and follow his instructions.

Such different chest pains

Thoracalgia is a term for chest pain (from the words “torax” – chest and “algia” – pain).

It can hurt, both on one side of the chest, and in the middle, in the upper or lower part. The nature of the pain is:

• Pungent and burning.
• Dull and aching.
• Stab.
• Compressive.

Among the main causes of a disturbing symptom in the chest are diseases, injuries and pathologies:

• Heart and vessels.
• Lungs.
• Musculoskeletal system – muscles, ribs and spine.
• Nervous system
• Gastrointestinal tract.

Let’s dwell on them in more detail.

Heart problems

Pain in the chest in the middle or in its left side occurs in various diseases of the heart:

• coronary artery disease, angina pectoris – impaired blood flow in the heart arteries. Often an attack of sharp pain lasts up to 15 minutes. Occurs during physical exertion, stress, excitement, disappears after rest.
• Myocardial infarction – cell death and scarring of the heart muscle. It is characterized by severe pain in the chest on the left and in the middle, which does not go away after 15-20 minutes. Additional symptoms include weakness, fear of death.
• Pericarditis or myocarditis is an inflammatory process in the muscle or lining of the heart. They are characterized by acute or aching pain in the chest when inhaling in the middle of the chest, which are aggravated by eating or lying down.
• Mitral valve prolapse – in addition to chest pain, it causes shortness of breath, dizziness, up to fainting.
• Pulmonary hypertension – increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, the attack is similar to a heart attack.

A characteristic feature of heart pain is that it often occurs against the background of emotional or physical stress, accompanied by a feeling of panic, fear of death.

Lung diseases

This is a common cause of chest discomfort. Main causes and characteristic symptoms:

• Inflammation or abscess of the lung – the process proceeds with severe pain in the chest (right or both parts of the chest), fever, cough.
• Pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura) – there is pain with a deep breath, usually accompanied by fever, cough.
• Thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery with a blood clot – there is a sharp pain in the chest, tachycardia, difficulty breathing.
• Pneumothorax – accumulation of air in the pleural cavity when the lungs are damaged due to injuries of the ribs, spine. There is pain when inhaling, shortness of breath, dry cough, blood pressure may decrease.
• Bronchial asthma – acute spasms resolve with chest pain and wheezing, wet cough, bouts of shortness of breath

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Major diseases that cause pain in the esophagus or may spread from the abdomen to the chest area:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – irritation of the esophageal mucosa due to reflux of gastric contents.
• Dyskinesia or perforation of the esophagus – increased pressure in the esophagus due to the slow movement of food or rupture due to injury.
• Gastric ulcers.

Gastrointestinal diseases are characterized by pain that occurs before, after or during meals, and may be accompanied by heartburn and other symptoms.

Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Thoracalgia appears due to injuries, diseases of the spine, aggravated after physical exertion. Main causes and symptoms:

• Osteochondrosis, herniation and protrusion of the intervertebral discs in the thoracic spine, scoliosis cause chest pain, which is aggravated by movement or prolonged immobility.
• Rib fractures.
• Muscle spasms, sprains, intercostal neuralgia – cause pain in the chest on the right or left, depending on the place where the pathology has arisen.
• Tietze’s syndrome or inflammation of the costocartilaginous joints.
• Pain of a neurological nature – from “goosebumps” in the chest to severe pain occurs due to mental disorders, with panic attacks.

Pain in the right or left side of the chest may have other causes: neoplasms in the lungs or breast, shingles and other diseases.

The doctor’s task is to make a diagnosis in time and correctly. This will help: heart examinations, ultrasound, radiography and other diagnostic procedures.

Medical emergency needed if:

• Acute chest pain does not improve after 15 minutes and after rest.
• There is dizziness, shortness of breath, increased sweating, palpitations.

In other cases, it is also advisable not to postpone the consultation with the doctor for a long time. Who to contact – a cardiologist, a neurologist, a gastroenterologist – depends on the symptoms. But this is not always possible to determine independently. In this case, start with a consultation with a therapist who will help you understand the issue and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.

In other cases, it is also advisable not to postpone the consultation with a doctor for a long time. Who to contact – a cardiologist, a neurologist, a gastroenterologist – depends on the symptoms. But this is not always possible to determine independently. In this case, start with a consultation with a therapist who will help you understand the issue and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. Be healthy!

Diagnosis of any disease requires modern equipment and vast medical experience. Especially when it comes to chest pain.

Our clinic offers its patients a full range of medical examinations on high-precision equipment. Our doctors select the most informative and safe diagnostic methods.

Turning to us, you can be sure that the cause of the pain will be established as quickly and accurately as possible. High-tech diagnostic devices allow you to monitor the work of all organs and systems without causing you unnecessary discomfort.

We value the time of our patients, so all consultations and procedures are by appointment. By booking an appointment, you can be sure that the doctor will be waiting for you. Come to the clinic to find out the cause of pain and discuss treatment options.

Chest pain treatment prices

Publication checked:

Pilenitsyn Andrey Yurievich

Experience:

Cardiologist of the highest qualification category, general practitioner, functional diagnostics doctor

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Chest pain – causes, examination and treatment | Symptoms

Myocardial infarction or unstable angina
Signs: Represent an immediate danger to life. Sudden, pressing pain that spreads (radiates) to the jaw or arm, may be constant or transient. Sometimes shortness of breath or nausea. Pain that comes on with exertion and goes away with rest (angina pectoris). Abnormal heart sounds heard through a stethoscope. Frequent warning signs.

Thoracic aortic dissection (tear in the wall of the thoracic aorta)
Signs: Represent an immediate danger to life. Sudden, tearing pain that extends into or begins in the middle of the back. Sometimes dizziness, stroke, and pain, coldness, or numbness in the leg. Sometimes different pulse or blood pressure in the limbs. Usually in people over 55 with a history of high blood pressure. Warning signs.

Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart)
Signs: Potentially life-threatening. Acute pain, constant or transient, aggravated by breathing, swallowing food, or lying on the back. Relaxes when leaning forward. Abnormal heart sounds heard through a stethoscope.

Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus
Signs: Represent an immediate danger to life. Sudden, sharp pain immediately after vomiting or after a medical procedure involving the esophagus (esophageal and gastric endoscopy or transesophageal echocardiography). Some warning signs.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Signs: Potentially life-threatening. Severe, persistent pain that: appears in the upper middle abdomen or lower chest. Often aggravated in the supine position, weakened by bending forward. Vomiting and soreness in the upper abdomen, sometimes shock. Often in people who abuse alcohol or have gallstones.

Peptic ulcers
Signs: Periodic vague discomfort that is felt in the upper middle of the abdomen or in the lower chest. Relief with antacids and sometimes after meals. Common in smokers and drinkers, or both. There are no warning signs.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Signs: Periodic burning pain that spreads from the upper middle abdomen to the throat, worse when bending over or lying down. Relieves with antacids.

Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts (diseases of the biliary tract)
Signs: Intermittent discomfort, which is felt in the upper right side of the abdomen or in the lower middle of the chest, is observed after eating (but not after exercise).

Swallowing disorders (in which the peristalsis of food through the esophagus is impaired)
Signs: Pain that develops gradually over a long period of time may or may not appear during swallowing. Usually difficulty swallowing.

Pulmonary embolism (blockage of the pulmonary artery by a blood clot)
Signs: Represent an immediate danger to life. Often severe pain when breathing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat. Sometimes a slight fever, coughing up blood, or shock. More likely in patients with risk factors for pulmonary embolism (history of blood clots, recent surgery, especially leg surgery, prolonged bed rest, leg cast or splint, older age, smoking, or cancer).

Tension pneumothorax (collapse of the lung with increased air pressure in the chest)
Signs: Represent an immediate danger to life. Significant shortness of breath. Low blood pressure, swollen neck veins, and decreased breath sounds heard through a stethoscope on one side. It usually occurs only after a severe chest injury.

Pneumonia
Signs: Potentially life-threatening. Fever, chills, cough, and usually yellow or green sputum. Often shortness of breath. Sometimes pain when breathing. Palpitations and congestion in the lungs revealed during the examination.

Pneumothorax (collapse of the lung)
Signs: Potentially life-threatening. Sudden sharp pain, usually in one side of the chest. Sometimes shortness of breath, weakening of breath sounds heard through a stethoscope on one side.

Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lung)
Signs: Sharp pain when breathing. Usually in patients who have recently had pneumonia or a viral respiratory infection. Sometimes cough. There are no warning signs.

Musculoskeletal chest wall pain
Signs: Pain that is usually persistent (lasting a few days or more). Increases with movement and/or breathing. May have no apparent cause or result from coughing or physical exertion. Soreness at one point on the chest. There are no warning signs.

Fibromyalgia
Signs: Pain that is almost constant, spreads to large areas of the body, is usually accompanied by fatigue and impaired sleep quality.

Herpes zoster
Signs: Acute girdle pain in the middle of the chest, but only on one side. Rash in the form of numerous small vesicles, sometimes filled with pus, in the area of ​​localization of pain, sometimes arising after the onset of pain.

Malignant tumors of the chest or chest wall
Signs: Sometimes pain that worsens with inspiration. Sometimes chronic cough, history of smoking, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes in the neck.