What is the cause of nonspecific costochondritis?

Nonspecific costochondritis is usually caused by a variety of factors, including external trauma, infection, autoimmune dysfunction, etc. The specific causes usually vary from person to person. In daily life, it is recommended to avoid chest trauma, improve living habits, and seek medical attention in a timely manner to find potential triggering causes and take appropriate measures.

1) Traumatic causes

Physical injury is one of the common causes of nonspecific costochondritis. Severe chest compression, impact, sprains, etc. may cause inflammation. For example, frequent weightlifting training or improper exercise posture may cause physical stimulation to the costal cartilage, leading to inflammation. It is recommended to warm up fully before strenuous exercise and avoid being in an improper posture for a long time. If trauma has occurred, ice the injured area as soon as possible and consult a doctor to determine whether further treatment is needed.

2) Infectious factors

Although the probability of infection causing nonspecific costochondritis is low, certain bacterial and viral infections may still be the cause, especially when the infection near the chest cavity spreads to the costal cartilage tissue. For example, respiratory tract infection or secondary bacterial infection after skin ulceration may induce local inflammation. For costochondritis caused by infection, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics (such as amoxicillin) or antiviral drugs, and cooperate with local hygiene care to control the infection.

3) Abnormal autoimmune function

Certain immune system-related diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) may attack normal tissues, causing chronic inflammation and pain in the costal cartilage area. In these cases, nonspecific costochondritis may be just part of a systemic disease and requires medical examinations (such as blood tests or imaging tests) to confirm the diagnosis. Doctors often use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), corticosteroids, or even immunosuppressants to control the inflammatory response.

4) Lifestyle habits and other predisposing factors

Long-term bad posture, overuse of chest muscles, continuous pressure or heavy lifting may also cause repeated pressure or irritation of the rib cartilage, leading to inflammation. Elderly people or patients with osteoporosis are more susceptible to this nonspecific inflammation due to the relatively fragile structure of the ribs and cartilage. Improving lifestyle habits, such as correcting posture and avoiding excessive loads, can effectively reduce the occurrence of such inducing factors.

Nonspecific costochondritis may be caused by a variety of complex factors. If diagnosed, treatment should be started as soon as possible to prevent delays in the condition. Whether it is caused by trauma, infection, or autoimmunity, accurate medical diagnosis and standardized treatment are the key to improving the condition. If chest pain or discomfort in the ribs persists, seek medical attention in a timely manner and follow the doctor's advice for intervention.