What causes pain below the breastbone?
Apr 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Pain below the sternum may result from trauma causing injury to soft tissues and subsequent pain. The periosteum is rich in blood vessels, nerves, and cells; if locally infected by pathogens, bone tissue may swell and cause pain simultaneously. Esophagitis occurs when inflammatory irritation damages the esophageal mucosa. When the esophagus beneath the sternum is affected, it becomes congested and swollen, and in severe cases, erosion and ulcer formation can occur, leading to pain.
Pain below the sternum may be caused by trauma, periostitis, esophagitis, or other reasons. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause.
1. Trauma
If the sternum has been subjected to external impact, it may result in soft tissue injury and cause pain. It is recommended to apply local heat therapy or massage to promote blood circulation. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.
2. Periostitis
The periosteum contains abundant blood vessels, nerves, and cells. If the local area becomes infected with pathogens, it may lead to bone tissue swelling and pain. It is recommended to use antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, cefixime capsules, or cephalexin tablets under a doctor's guidance to eliminate the infection and alleviate symptoms.
3. Esophagitis
Inflammatory irritation can damage the esophageal mucosa. When the esophagus beneath the sternum is affected, it may become congested and swollen; in severe cases, erosion and ulcers may develop, causing pain. Under medical supervision, medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or pantoprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets may be used to relieve symptoms.
In addition, pain below the sternum may also occur in coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Different conditions require different treatments, so it is advisable to visit a hospital for appropriate examinations to determine the exact cause.
