COSTOCHONDRITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Costochondritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and soreness in the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). It typically leads to chest pain or discomfort, often described as a sharp, stabbing sensation, which can be exacerbated by deep breathing, coughing, or physical activity. The condition is considered benign and is usually self-limiting, lasting for a few weeks or months.
The exact cause of costochondritis is often unknown, but potential triggers include respiratory infections, physical strain or injury, severe coughing, and viral or bacterial infections. It can also be associated with certain medical conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or costochondral separation. Costochondritis predominantly affects adults, particularly women, but it can also occur in children or adolescents.
Although costochondritis symptoms resemble those of a heart attack, it is important to differentiate between the two. Costochondritis usually presents with localized pain that worsens with movement or palpation of the affected area, whereas heart-related pain often radiates to the left arm, neck, or jaw, and is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating. Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination, medical history assessment, and ruling out other potential causes of chest pain. Treatment options for costochondritis primarily focus on pain management through over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest, heat or cold therapy, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications or recommend physical therapy.
Common Misspellings for COSTOCHONDRITIS
- xostochondritis
- vostochondritis
- fostochondritis
- dostochondritis
- cistochondritis
- ckstochondritis
- clstochondritis
- cpstochondritis
- c0stochondritis
- c9stochondritis
- coatochondritis
- coztochondritis
- coxtochondritis
- codtochondritis
- coetochondritis
- cowtochondritis
- cosrochondritis
- cosfochondritis
- cosgochondritis
Etymology of COSTOCHONDRITIS
The word costochondritis is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The term consists of two components: costo- and -chondritis.
1. Costo- is derived from the Latin word costa which means rib. It refers to the ribs or the costal cartilages, which are connective tissues that attach the ribs to the sternum (breastbone) in the front.
2. -Chondritis is derived from the Greek word khondros meaning cartilage. It refers to the inflammation of the cartilage.
Therefore, costochondritis literally means inflammation of the costal cartilage.
