There is a lump in the middle of the boy's chest

In daily life, some people feel a lump in the middle of their chest, which makes them feel worried and anxious. They don't know what the lump is, let alone what causes this condition. In fact, the lump in the middle of the chest is mostly costochondritis, which is a very common symptom. The following editor will introduce the causes, clinical manifestations and prevention of this disease in detail.

1. Causes of disease

1. Nonspecific costochondritis

The cause of the disease is still unknown, but the possible causes are as follows:

(1) Viral infection: Many cases reported a history of viral respiratory infection before becoming ill.

(2) Diffuse muscle strain of the costochondral ligament.

(3) Abnormalities in immunity or endocrine system may cause the function of rib cartilage to decline.

(4) Other causes may be related to tuberculosis, malnutrition, acute bacterial respiratory infection, rheumatoid arthritis, costovertebral subluxation, chest impact injury, constant coughing and other injuries.

2. Infectious costochondria

Primary infection is relatively rare, usually caused by menstruation. The pathogens are often tuberculosis, typhoid bacillus or paratyphoid bacillus. Chondritis caused by post-thoracic surgery infection is more common, and the key pathogens are purulent bacteria and fungi.

2. Clinical symptoms

1. Nonspecific costochondritis

In the early stage of the disease, the patient feels chest pain. After a few days, the affected rib cartilage will have swelling, protrusions, dull pain or dull pain. The location of the occurrence is mostly in the 2nd to 4th rib cartilage beside the shoulder blade, with the 2nd rib cartilage being the most common, and sometimes it can also occur in the costal arch. The disease mostly affects a single rib, and a few multiple ribs or upper and lower ribs are also affected. The local tenderness is obvious, and the pain radiates strongly to the shoulder bone of the back or the side shoulder, arm, and armpit. The pain worsens after deep breathing, coughing, activities, raising the head and chest, and fatigue. Subacute patients may suddenly develop the disease, with a stabbing pain, throbbing pain or soreness in the chest; insidious patients have a slow onset, and the intersection of the ribs and costal cartilages is inadvertently arched, swollen, and dull pain, with no changes in the skin. The pain varies in severity and often changes and is difficult to heal. Because the disease is in the upper part of the breast, the breast in the same direction also has pulling pain, and female patients mistakenly think it is breast pain and seek medical treatment. However, breast disease itself can often be identified by touching a lump or string-like substance in the breast, or redness of the skin in the breast. The history of the disease may last for a few hours or a few days, but it can relapse, often with healing within a few months, and some can last for many years.

2. Infectious costochondria

Some parts of the skin will be swollen, hot and painful, with chest pain as the main symptom. Most cases start with this, and the severity varies. The patient is afraid to take a deep breath or cough due to chest pain, which can easily lead to lung infection. Soft tissue necrosis can produce cysts, and cyst rupture can produce sinus tracts. Patients usually have significant systemic infection symptoms.

3. Prevention

1. Because the occurrence of this disease may be related to respiratory infection. Therefore, prevention should first prevent influenza. Open windows frequently for ventilation to make the indoor air quality fresh. Go to public places less often and participate in outdoor activities more often to improve your immunity. Get a flu shot when necessary.

2. Keep warm and avoid getting cold. When you sweat, do not take off your clothes immediately to avoid getting cold. Wear soft and dry clothes to avoid dampness and cold. Arrange your time reasonably and avoid overwork.

3. When workers are actually operating, they should enhance their safety awareness, use proper posture when transporting suspended objects, avoid using excessive force, and prevent damage to the sternocostal cartilage and cruciate ligaments.