What is periostitis of the ribs?
Inflammation of the periosteum at the ribs is a rare disease in which the periosteum of one or more ribs is inflamed. Inflammation of the periosteum can have various causes, such as overloading due to persistent coughing or bacterial colonization of the periosteum, often in the context of osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone marrow) or osteitis (inflammation of the bone).
Causes of periosteitis of the ribs
Inflammation of the periosteum at the ribs can be caused by mechanical overloading of the rib cage. A strong cough over a long period of time and overloading during intensive training can be the cause of periosteal inflammation of the ribs. At the same time, periostitis can be caused by another inflammation, for example osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone marrow) or, more rarely, osteitis (inflammation of the bone).
Inflammation can be passed on from the respiratory tract. Bacteria and viruses can be considered as triggers for inflammation of the ribs and should therefore be excluded from the diagnosis. An accident can cause various injuries in the body and can cause enormous damage to the ribs.
Severe irritation of the periosteum can trigger periosteitis. At the same time, an accident can promote the entry of pathogens into the body. Stab wounds in the chest can cause both bacterial and traumatic periosteitis of the ribs.
Coughing is a symptom that can cause severe discomfort to those affected and in some cases lasts for a very long time. A long, severe cough can cause pleurisy and sore muscles in the area of the rib muscles. Those affected then feel a strong pain in the ribs, especially when coughing or pressing.
Inflammation of the pleura can be passed on and cause inflammation of the bones around the ribs. At the same time, the persistent cough can lead to a pronounced mechanical strain on the rib muscles. This means that periosteitis can also be caused by the tensile forces of the muscles and tendons on bones and periosteum.