Breastbone Swelling
Conditions that Cause Breastbone Swelling
Breastbone swelling can be a very alarming symptom to experience. Whether you've had an accident or simply woke up one morning and noticed that your chest bone appeared swollen, the experience is almost always worrisome. We are going to talk about a few of the most common causes of breastbone swelling as well as ways to care for and bring down the swelling.
The first cause we are going to talk about is direct injury to the sternum, as this is the most likely cause of breastbone swelling. The sternum is a very important plate of bone. It connects to both of the clavicles and the ribs via cartilage, and altogether these bones help to protect the precious organs housed within this "cage". When the sternum has sustained a pretty significant amount of pressure, whether it be a result of a car accident, a fall, or even weight training, the bone is at risk of fracturing, or breaking. The fracture could either result in a crack in the bone or a complete separation of bone. Either type of fracture would result in swelling due to bruising and tissue damage. There may even be a visible lump under the skin from bone which has moved out of place. If you suspect that you may have fractured your sternum, you should see your doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment. A simple x-ray should be enough to confirm or deny your suspicions. Simple fractures generally require a treatment of analgesics and restriction of movement for a month or more. In more serious cases where the bone has been completely divided or when the bone has moved out of position, minor surgery may be required to correct the issue.
Tietze syndrome is another common cause of breastbone swelling. This condition occurs when the cartilage of the upper portion of the sternum become inflamed. The exact cause of this inflammation is not known. The symptoms of this condition include swelling in the area of the sternum, as well as tenderness or outright pain in the same area. Redness may be present and the area can feel excessively warm compared to the rest of the body. When pain is a present symptom, it is often sharp and can last anywhere from hours or even up to weeks. Although swelling often gives this condition away, it can be confirmed by a blood test which will usually show inflammation present in the body. The most common course of treatment is the use of anti-inflammatory medication and lots of rest to allow the area to heal. Ice packs or cold compresses may also be applied to the sternum to help reduce the swelling.
Few people are aware that there are lymph nodes located deep within the chest. These cannot usually be felt when the nodes are in their normal state. Lymph nodes are small, circular organs that are members of the immune system. The lymph noses work to filter out "bad cells", and they also produce a type of white blood cell that helps to fight against infection. When the body detects either a viral or bacterial infection, the lymph nodes generally swell up. If an infection is particularly bad or located very close to the sternum, the lymph nodes located in the chest may swell up to the point that they become detectable by touch. Antibiotics may be helpful in getting rid of a bacterial infection, but usually don't have an effect against viral infections. Anti-inflammatory medications may also help to bring down the swelling and over the counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve any symptoms related to infection such as headaches, fever, achiness, etc.
When dealing with breastbone swelling, it's important to seek an evaluation by a doctor to determine what the true cause of the swelling is. A proper course of treatment will then be prescribed and will be much more effective than the "I'll leave it and see what happens" path that many of us are tempted to take. Best of luck in treating your sternum!