Typically with other causes of chest pain, individuals will likely have radiating pain, shortness of breath, fever, a productive cough, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, or hypotension.These conditions will be ruled out using tests such as X-rays, which will help assess for pneumonia, pneumothorax, lung mass, and other concerns. Other tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) can be performed to exclude infection, ischemia, and other conditions. A laboratory workup can rule out acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia. Costochondritis will yield normal results for these tests. Musculoskeletal
There are several musculoskeletal conditions similar to costochondritis that are often confused. One such condition includes Tietze syndrome, which is often confused with costochondritis due to the similarity in location and symptomatology. Typically, costochondritis is a more common condition that is not associated with any swelling, affects multiple joints (usually of the 2nd to 5th ribs), and is usually seen in individuals older than 40 years of age. Tietze syndrome is a rarer condition that usually has visible swelling, commonly affecting a single joint (usually of the 2nd or 3rd rib), and typically seen in individuals younger than 40 years of age.A similar condition known as slipping rib syndrome is also associated with chest pain and inflammation of the costal cartilage. Unlike costochondritis, the pain associated with slipping rib syndrome is often felt in the lower ribs, abdomen, and back, commonly affecting the interchondral junctions of the false 8th to 10th ribs. Costochondritis is typically experienced within the sternocostal junctions of the true 2nd to 5th ribs.
If the pain is localized, occasionally creams and patches containing compounds such as capsaicin, NSAIDs, or lidocaine may be used. Heat or ice compresses may also be used for treatment.Outpatient follow-up may also be a form of treatment for costochondritis. Manual therapy methods such as myofascial release, muscle energy techniques, balanced ligamentous tension (BLT), rib mobilization techniques, and stretching exercises may be used. Additionally, educating the individual with costochondritis about their body mechanics, posture, and activity modification can be beneficial.In severe cases where symptoms do not resolve and last up to a year or longer, corticosteroids or local anesthetic injections may be considered. Epidemiology
Costochondritis is a common condition that is responsible for approximately 13-36% of acute chest pain-related concerns from adults depending on the setting, with 14-39% for adolescents. It is most often seen in individuals who are older than 40 years of age and occurs more often in women than in men. References


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