Cartilage is a joint or connective tissue that connects our inner end of each rib with the sternum, the breastbone. Sometimes the cartilage junction becomes inflammed or irritated by any infection, this typical condition is known as Costochondritis. Costochondritis is a disease of cartilage in which our immune system reacts to any stimulus or any infection that can be characterized by redness, some pain, swelling etc.

Sometimes the costochondritis disease is known by Tietze syndrome. Tietze syndrome
is slightly differ from costochondritis. In both disease, affected area is same that is, front of the chest but characteristic are quite differ. Tietze syndrome is characterized by swelling but in costochondritis disease affected area becomes red, irritated and get warmth instead of swelled.

Causes and symptoms:

There are no definite causes of costochondritis. Various types of infections can cause costochondritis like viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal infections etc. many times unusual excessive physical activity or any physical strain can cause of costochondritis.

Symptoms associated with costochondritis are quite similar to the chest pain due to a heart attack. The pains of costochondritis disease are usually sharp and occur at front chest wall. Pains occur mostly in the fourth, fifth, and sixth ribs. Because of these severe pains patients may have problem in deep breathing and movements.

Prevention and treatment:

The main goal of treatment is to control the severe pains of costochondritis. Pain relief medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen may be taken by patient. Antidepressants are special kind of medicines that make easy to you at night from pains.
Bed rest is very helpful for treatment of costochondritis. Ice Packs or Heating Pads are useful for fast relief by control major pains

Prevention for costochondritis may include:

Avoid unnecessary exercise.
Avoid activities create physical strain