The NHS has issued a clear warning urging anyone experiencing certain chest pain symptoms to call 999 immediately, rather than dismissing the signs. This advice is particularly emphasised for individuals with costochondritis, a condition that can cause chest pain and potentially lead to confusion over the severity of symptoms.
Costochondritis is an inflammation where the ribs join the breastbone, resulting in sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing. While this condition usually improves on its own over time, the NHS stresses that some people may mistake this pain for a heart attack, or conversely, wrongly assume that serious chest pain is merely costochondritis-especially if they have experienced it before.
According to the NHS, costochondritis symptoms include sharp pain at the front or side of the chest, which may worsen during movement or breathing. If unexplained chest pain does not ease, it should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Those suspecting costochondritis are advised to seek guidance through NHS 111.
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Importantly, the NHS highlights that any chest pain must be taken seriously to exclude life-threatening causes such as heart attacks. If you experience symptoms such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, or discomfort radiating to other parts of the body, you should call 999 immediately and avoid driving yourself to hospital. The emergency services call handler will provide instructions on the next steps.
While the exact cause of costochondritis is not always known, it has been associated with injury, repeated strain, or viral infections. Symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks to months. Pain relief can usually be managed with anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.
If the pain is severe or persistent, the NHS advises contacting your GP without hesitation. Healthcare professionals may propose treatments such as steroid injections to reduce inflammation or local anaesthetic injections to manage pain. It is important not to worry about being a burden or overthinking symptoms; timely medical advice is crucial for your health.