Understanding Why Costochondritis Chest Pain Worsens After Eating

Understanding Costochondritis Pain After Eating

Costochondritis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the cartilage in the chest. This cartilage connects the ribs to the breastbone or sternum. For many sufferers, costochondritis chest pain often gets worse after eating. Let's take a closer look at why this happens and what you can do to manage mealtime pain.

What is Costochondritis?

Costochondritis is often described as pain in the chest wall. It occurs when the cartilage connecting the ribs and breastbone becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause localized chest tenderness and pain.

While the exact causes are not known, costochondritis often results from some type of physical trauma. Sports injuries, physical strain from heavy lifting, violent coughing, and chest injuries can all trigger inflammation. Bacterial and viral infections may also be involved.

Costochondritis goes by other names like chest wall pain syndrome, costosternal syndrome, and costosternal chondrodynia. The pain may occur on the left or right side of the chest in one or more ribs.

Costochondritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is an association between costochondritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Studies show that 20% to 40% of people with RA develop costochondritis pain at some point.

RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder that primarily attacks the joints but can affect other tissues. Chronic inflammation from RA is believed to cause the cartilage damage that leads to costochondritis.

Chest wall pain and tenderness may appear in the early stages of RA before joint symptoms occur. About 6% to 10% of people with costochondritis eventually develop RA. If the chest pain is accompanied by joint pain and swelling, it is wise to see a rheumatologist for evaluation.

Why Eating Worsens Costochondritis Pain

There are a few reasons why costochondritis chest pain often flares up after eating:

• Excessive eating stretches the stomach and adds pressure to the chest and rib cage area. This can aggravate the already inflamed cartilage and surrounding muscle tissue.
• Eating foods that trigger heartburn or reflux also increases chest pressure. Stomach acids back up into the esophagus and the pain is felt in the chest wall rather than the heart.
• The physical act of eating requires movement of the arms, shoulders, and chest muscles. This added exertion can strain the chest and ribs.
• Some foods and drinks are inflammatory, which may worsen costochondritis pain. These include refined carbs, fried foods, alcohol, and high sugar foods.
• Large meals divert blood flow to the digestive system after eating. This may reduce blood flow and healing nutrients to the inflamed cartilage tissue.
• Lying down soon after large meals can make reflux worse and add pressure to the chest and rib areas.

Managing Mealtime Pain

While eating is often painful, a few strategies can help minimize post-meal costochondritis flare-ups:

• Avoid overeating by having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This puts less strain on the chest and stomach.
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to reduce swallowed air and improve digestion.
• Remain upright for at least an hour after eating to prevent reflux and chest pressure from lying down.
• Identify and avoid foods that worsen symptoms like citrus, peppers, coffee, etc.
• Use pillows or braces to splint the chest and limit painful movements when eating.
• Take over-the-counter medications like NSAIDs before meals to reduce inflammation.
• Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to open the chest cavity and relieve pressure.
• Apply heating pads or ice packs to help control pain and inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, the intense stabbing chest pains of costochondritis will go away on their own within a few weeks. But if pain persists or interferes with daily activities, see a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

You should also contact your doctor if chest pain:

• Radiates down the arms or into the jaw, neck or back
• Is accompanied by dizziness, sweating or shortness of breath
• Happens with coughing, palpitations or fainting
• Is associated with joint swelling or inflammation
• Is not improved by anti-inflammatory medications

These symptoms could indicate a medical emergency like a heart attack, lung complications, or worsening RA inflammation. A doctor can perform exams and testing to rule out life-threatening conditions.

Medical Treatment for Costochondritis

Once other serious causes have been excluded, a doctor may recommend several treatment options to relieve costochondritis pain, including:

• NSAIDs - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Steroid injections - Powerful steroids can be injected directly into the cartilage to quickly reduce swelling and irritation.
• Topical numbing creams - Creams containing lidocaine temporarily numb chest wall nerves to improve pain.
• Antidepressants - Low dose tricyclic antidepressants have pain-blocking effects.
• Physical therapy - Stretching and strengthening exercises help stabilize and support the chest and ribs.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes

There are also many self-care steps you can take to ease mealtime costochondritis pain:

• Use cold or hot compresses on the chest before and after eating.
• Wear looser clothing to avoid unnecessary chest pressure and constriction.
• Maintain good posture and avoid hunching over while eating.
• Quit smoking tobacco, which slows cartilage healing.
• Limit strenuous physical activities that strain the chest.
• Reduce stress through yoga, massage, meditation, etc.
• Get enough rest. Fatigue worsens pain perception.
• Supplements like turmeric, omega-3s, and boswellia may help control inflammation.

Living with Mealtime Costochondritis Pain

Costochondritis can make eating quite painful. But you don't have to just tolerate the chest pain - there are many things you can do to prevent and control symptoms.

Pay attention to trigger foods, eat smaller meals, stay upright after eating, and use OTC medication when needed. Your doctor can also provide prescription-strength pain relief options.

With the right treatment plan, most people find they can manage the chest wall pain flare ups that often hit after meals. This allows you to get back to enjoying eating without fear of debilitating costochondritis pain.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.