Costochondritis: Prevention and Complications

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid repeated trauma to the costochondral junctions (chest cartilage).
  • Treat infections aggressively.
  • Early mobility after surgery, it prevents stiffness of muscle.
  • Take adequate rest.
  • For children, encourage them to use school bag properly, and not make them heavy.
  • Avoid any strenuous activities that use the upper body. Baseball, Tennis, weight lifting. Avoid lifting anything more than a few pounds to allow healing.

Others

It is more common in young adults, but can occur in any age group. As it is inflammatory, the cause is unknown and specific preventive measure can also be advised. Females are more attacked than males.

Watch Out

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Tightness of chest

When to See Doctor

Consult a doctor if you have symptoms like
  • Trouble breathing
  • High fever
  • Signs of infection such as redness, pus, and increased swelling at the ribs
  • Persistent chest pain associated with nausea, sweating, left arm pain, or any generalized chest pain 




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