What should I do for sternum pain?
Jan 09, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wen Zhijun
Introduction
If there is a clear history of trauma, oral or topical analgesics may be administered for localized pain relief. In the absence of a definite traumatic history, hematologic disorders become more likely, necessitating specialized treatment by a relevant subspecialty. Pain located behind the sternum is typically attributable to esophageal, mediastinal, or cardiac conditions; regardless of the underlying cause, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is strongly recommended.
Sternum pain warrants prompt medical evaluation at a hospital, as it may stem from the following causes:
If there is a clear history of trauma, sternum pain is typically attributable to sternal injury or soft-tissue injury in the sternal region; treatment may include oral or topical analgesics targeted to the affected area.
In cases without a definite traumatic history—i.e., unexplained sternum pain or tenderness—the possibility of hematologic disorders should be considered, such as anemia, aplastic anemia, or leukemia. These conditions require specialized, disease-specific management.
Pain localized behind the sternum generally suggests esophageal, mediastinal, or cardiac pathology—for example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal cancer, mediastinal tumors, angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction.
Pain on either side of the sternum is commonly associated with costosternal joint inflammation or costochondritis. Therefore, any sternum pain merits timely medical consultation and evaluation at a hospital.
