Therapy
If sternum pain occurs, a decision on the procedure should first be based on whether there is an identifiable harmless cause of the pain, such as strength training the previous day or a contusion. If sternum pain occurs without a recognisable cause, a doctor should be consulted. Indications of a serious illness as the cause of the complaints can be if the pain is independent of movement and occurs more severely under stress such as climbing stairs.
In the case of sudden onset of severe sternum pain, possibly in conjunction with anxiety and shortness of breath, it is even important to call an emergency doctor immediately, as these may be the signs of a heart attack. If none of the alarming signs are present or if a harmless cause of the sternum pain is clear, it is possible to wait and see. By taking pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication for a few days, the pain can often be relieved.
If the sternum is bruised as the cause of the pain, it helps to cool the affected area temporarily and to rest for a few days. However, physical activity at low intensity can also help to relieve the pain. However, if the sternum pain does not subside, increases steadily or is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, frequent burping or fever, a prompt presentation to the family doctor is indicated.
Diagnosis
In the case of sternum pain, the first and most important steps to make a diagnosis are a medical consultation and physical examination. The doctor asks the patient specific questions, such as whether the pain is caused by stress or whether it is dependent on movement or breathing. Possible accompanying symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever or cold sweat are also recorded.
During the examination, the doctor tests, among other things, whether the sternum pain can be triggered by pressure. Although it is not always possible to make a diagnosis on the basis of the above measures, it is usually possible to assess with a high degree of probability whether or not a dangerous or acute illness requiring treatment is present. Depending on the findings, the doctor also decides on the further procedure. If necessary, further examinations are indicated for the diagnosis, such as an ECG (electrocardiogram) or an X-ray of the chest.
Forecast
The prognosis of sternal pain is in principle dependent on the underlying cause. In many cases it is a harmless periostitis (inflammation of the periosteum) in the context of overstrain or injuries such as bruises. Due to the potentially life-threatening organic manifestation of a retrosternal pain (located behind the sternum), a diagnostic clarification of the cause must be carried out particularly promptly.