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What Causes Tight Feeling In Chest And A Bulge In Lower Rib?
Question: Hi, I have a tight feeling in my chest and a large bulge in my lower rib cage that is painful to tough and even just sitting is painful with the pain spreading round to my back. I haven't done any sport or anything I can think of to bring it on,
Brief Answer:
Probably costo-chondritis.
Detailed Answer:
HI.
Thanks for your query and the photograph which is helpful in doing the diagnosis.
The area depicted in the photograph suggests me of the probable diagnosis of a condition called costo-chondritis.
There is a swelling of the ribs at this particular area where the bony and the cartilaginous parts are joined together.
Why this occurs at this particular area is not really understood by the medical fraternity. This can occur after an attach of flu/ any other major illness/ or is idiopathic( meaning the cause is not known). The referred pain can be perceived along the nerve supply of this area and hence you may be getting the pain spreading around to the back.
The treatment is symptomatic, meaning take anti-inflammatory medicines, pain-killers, rest to the body and to the area in-particular by avoiding any movement that can cause strain on this area.
It the pain is not settled within a few days with this treatment a course of steroids in reducing doses and doxycyclin works. You have to take all these medicines under the guidance and supervision of your Doctor.
Many times this condition is self -limiting and may need no active management. But remember the tendency of recurrence, particularly when the person is fatigued by physical or mental exertion or is exposed to flu.
So please take care as suggested.
Feel free to ask more if you have further queries.
Wishing you early recovery.
Probably costo-chondritis.
Detailed Answer:
HI.
Thanks for your query and the photograph which is helpful in doing the diagnosis.
The area depicted in the photograph suggests me of the probable diagnosis of a condition called costo-chondritis.
There is a swelling of the ribs at this particular area where the bony and the cartilaginous parts are joined together.
Why this occurs at this particular area is not really understood by the medical fraternity. This can occur after an attach of flu/ any other major illness/ or is idiopathic( meaning the cause is not known). The referred pain can be perceived along the nerve supply of this area and hence you may be getting the pain spreading around to the back.
The treatment is symptomatic, meaning take anti-inflammatory medicines, pain-killers, rest to the body and to the area in-particular by avoiding any movement that can cause strain on this area.
It the pain is not settled within a few days with this treatment a course of steroids in reducing doses and doxycyclin works. You have to take all these medicines under the guidance and supervision of your Doctor.
Many times this condition is self -limiting and may need no active management. But remember the tendency of recurrence, particularly when the person is fatigued by physical or mental exertion or is exposed to flu.
So please take care as suggested.
Feel free to ask more if you have further queries.
Wishing you early recovery.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you dr. My mum said she thought it was a swollen spleen, can I definitely rule that out? It has worried me.
Brief Answer:
Not a spleen.
Detailed Answer:
Yes.
This is definitely not an enlarged spleen.
You can definitely rule this out.
Please do not worry .
Take the treatment as advised , you will be alright.
Not a spleen.
Detailed Answer:
Yes.
This is definitely not an enlarged spleen.
You can definitely rule this out.
Please do not worry .
Take the treatment as advised , you will be alright.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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