What causes pain when pressing on the left sternum?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Tenderness upon pressure on the left sternum may be caused by trauma, costochondritis, pleurisy, fasciitis, pneumothorax, or other reasons. Patients are advised to receive symptomatic treatment as directed by a physician. If the left sternum has experienced impact, it may lead to soft tissue injury or fracture, resulting in tenderness when pressed. It is recommended that patients rest more and avoid strenuous exercise, and seek timely medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Under normal circumstances, tenderness upon pressure on the left sternum may be caused by trauma, costochondritis, pleuritis, fasciitis, pneumothorax, or other reasons. Patients are advised to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Trauma
If the patient's left sternum has suffered an impact, it may lead to soft tissue injury or fracture, resulting in tenderness when pressing on the sternum. It is recommended that patients rest more and avoid strenuous exercise; seek prompt medical attention if symptoms are severe.
2. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is usually caused by pathogen infection and can also cause tenderness upon pressure on the left sternum. Patients are advised to take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or naproxen tablets as directed by a physician.
3. Pleuritis
Pleuritis may result from infections caused by parasites, fungi, viruses, or other pathogens, as well as chest wall injuries or connective tissue diseases, leading to tenderness on the left sternum. Treatment under medical guidance may include penicillin V potassium tablets, cefixime capsules, or aspirin enteric-coated tablets.
4. Fasciitis
Fasciitis can occur in various parts of the body and is often triggered by exposure to cold or chronic overuse. This condition may also cause the aforementioned symptoms. Patients are advised to use medications such as celecoxib capsules, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets under medical supervision.
5. Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax primarily occurs due to a rupture between lung tissue and the pleural cavity or damage to the chest wall. Main symptoms include chest pain and difficulty breathing. If symptoms are mild, adequate rest and minimizing talking are recommended. For severe cases, treatments such as therapeutic thoracentesis or closed thoracic drainage should be performed according to medical advice.
Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation and receive appropriate treatment to avoid delays in managing their condition.
