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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffCall 911 or emergency medical help or have someone drive you to an emergency room if you experience new or unexplained chest pain or pressure that lasts for more than a few moments. Don't waste any time for fear of embarrassment if it's not a heart attack. Even if there's another cause for your chest pain, you need to be seen right away.
If you have less alarming pain or tenderness in your breastbone that isn't improving, make an appointment with your doctor.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Write down your symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur.
- Make a list of your key medical information, including any recent infectious illnesses and other health conditions with which you've been diagnosed. Also list the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking.
- Note any recent injuries or strenuous exercise that preceded your chest pain.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stressors in your life.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you can help remember information that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.
Below are some basic questions to ask a doctor who is examining you for possible costochondritis. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.
- What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
- Are there other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- What treatment approach do you recommend, if any?
- What self-care steps are likely to help improve my symptoms?
- Do I need to follow any activity restrictions?
- What new signs or symptoms should I watch for at home?
- How soon do you expect my symptoms will resolve?
- Should I see a specialist?
Don't hesitate to ask any additional questions that occur to you during your medical evaluation.
What to expect from the doctor
A doctor who sees you for chest pain may ask:
- What are your symptoms?
- When did you first begin experiencing these symptoms?
- Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?
- Where is your pain located?
- Does anything else seem to make your pain worse?
- Does anything seem to make your pain better?
- Are you having any difficulty breathing?
- Do your symptoms include fatigue or any problems related to sleep?
- Do your symptoms include fever or chills?
- Does exercise or physical exertion make your symptoms worse?
- Have you had any recent respiratory infections?
- Have you had any recent injuries to your chest?
- Were your symptoms preceded by strenuous physical activity?
- Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
- Have you recently experienced a significant amount of stress or change?
- Are you aware of any history of heart problems in your family?
- What medications are you currently taking, including vitamins and supplements?
What you can do in the meantime
In the time leading up to your appointment, try self-care measures at home. You may find relief from a heating pad and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve).
Until your doctor evaluates you, avoid activities that worsen your pain and rest as much as possible.
- Proulx AM, et al. Costochondritis: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician. 2009;80:617.
- Mercier LR. Costochondritis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/173904979-4/924114114/2088/162.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00012-5--sc0235_3245. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Stulbarg MS, et al. Symptoms of respiratory disease and their management. In: Mason, RJ, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: W.B. Saunders; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/173904979-4/924114114/1288/249.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-0327-0..50033-1--cesec23_1578. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Meisel JL. Diagnostic approach to chest pain in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Phillips K, et al. Treatment of musculoskeletal pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Boulanger BL. Costochondritis. In: Garfunkel LC, et al. Pedatric Clinical Advisor. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03506-4..10078-1--s0200&uniq=174188909&isbn=978-0-323-03506-4&sid=925053234#lpState=open&lpTab=contentsTab&content=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03506-4..10078-1%3Bfrom%3Dtoc%3Btype%3DbookPage%3Bisbn%3D978-0-323-03506-4. Accessed Dec. 2, 2009.
- Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 5, 2009.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 4, 2009.
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