Costochondritis refers to the inflammation of the cartilage that connects the breastbone to the ribs and there isn’t a clear cause as to why it occurs, but it is believed to be caused by direct injury to the area or physical strain as a result of illness I.e., due to severe cases of coughing. The condition is so painful it is often like having a heart attack.

Signs and Symptoms

• Is sharp, aching or pressure-like
• Affects more than one rib
• Can radiate to arms and shoulders
• Worsens when taking a deep breath, coughing, sneezing or with any chest wall movement
• Often occurs on the left side of the breastbone.