Breastbone pain — Patient information · Ruqelo Health
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Breastbone pain
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Educational summary — not medical advice. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Breastbone pain, also called sternum pain, is discomfort or pain in the flat bone at the front of your chest (the sternum or breastbone). It can range from a dull ache to sharp stabbing pain and may be caused by many different conditions – from muscle strain to problems with your heart or lungs.
Key facts
Breastbone pain is often caused by inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (costochondritis).
Most causes of breastbone pain are not serious, but it can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack or other urgent condition.
Pain that spreads to the arm, neck, jaw or back, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, requires immediate emergency care.
Questions about this article
Treatment depends on the underlying cause – many cases resolve with rest and simple pain relief.
Yes, breastbone pain is a fairly common reason people visit their GP or emergency department. Many cases are caused by harmless conditions, but it always needs to be checked because it can sometimes be a sign of something serious.
It can affect people of all ages, but certain causes are more common in specific groups. For example, costochondritis is more common in teenagers and young adults, while heart-related causes are more likely in older adults or those with risk factors like smoking or high blood pressure.
Symptoms
Call emergency services immediately if you notice:
Chest pain that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the centre of the chest lasting more than a few minutes
Pain that spreads to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweat
Sudden sharp chest pain with difficulty breathing – could be a collapsed lung
See a doctor urgently (same day) if you notice:
⚠Breastbone pain that does not go away after a few minutes of rest
⚠Pain that keeps coming back, especially with activity
⚠Pain accompanied by a fever, cough, or feeling generally unwell
Common symptoms
Pain or tenderness over the breastbone
Sharp or stabbing pain when you press on the area
Pain that gets worse with deep breathing, coughing, or lying down
A dull ache that lasts for days
Swelling or redness over the breastbone (less common)
Symptoms in children
Pain when pressing on the centre of the chest
Pain that may come and go, especially after coughing or heavy play
Children may complain of a ‘funny feeling’ in their chest
Symptoms in older adults
Pain that may feel more like pressure or tightness
Pain that spreads to the shoulders, arms, neck or jaw
Pain accompanied by shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating
Pain that is brought on by exertion and relieved by rest
Causes
Main causes
Costochondritis – inflammation of the cartilage where the ribs join the breastbone
Muscle strain – from heavy lifting, intense coughing, or exercise
Trauma or injury – such as a fall or direct blow to the chest
Heart problems – such as angina or heart attack (especially if pain is on the left side or spreads)
Lung problems – like pneumonia or pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – stomach acid irritating the oesophagus, which can cause chest pain
Risk factors
Recent upper respiratory infection or heavy coughing
Activities that strain the chest muscles (e.g., weightlifting, rowing)
Smoking or high blood pressure (increases risk of heart-related causes)
Age over 65 (higher risk of heart attack)
Previous history of heart disease or blood clots
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above – call your local emergency number immediately
If you have chest pain that is new, severe, or you are worried about
Book a routine appointment if:
If you have mild breastbone pain that has lasted more than a few days and you are not sure what is causing it
If you have pain that comes and goes, especially with activity
If you have other symptoms like a cough, fever, or indigestion that won’t go away
Many causes of breastbone pain are not serious and resolve on their own. Even so, it is always wise to get any new chest pain checked by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and your medical history. They will press on your breastbone and ribs to see if that reproduces the pain and listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
Tests that may be done
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart
Blood tests – to check for signs of a heart attack or infection
Chest X-ray – to look at the lungs and the structure of the chest
If costochondritis is suspected, the diagnosis is often made based on the physical exam alone, without any special tests
What to expect at your appointment
Most people will not need many tests. If your doctor suspects a muscle or cartilage problem, they may reassure you and recommend simple treatments. If there is any concern about your heart, they will arrange further tests, often urgently.
Treatment
Treatment for breastbone pain depends entirely on the cause. For many common causes like costochondritis or muscle strain, the treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation and letting the body heal. For more serious causes like a heart attack, treatment is urgent and may include medicines or procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.
Self-care at home
Rest – avoid activities that make the pain worse, like heavy lifting or sports
Apply a warm or cold compress to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day
Take over-the-counter pain relievers (such as paracetamol) if needed – check with your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure which is safe for you
Gentle stretching – once the acute pain has settled, slow, gentle stretching of the chest muscles can help
Medical treatments
If the cause is costochondritis or inflammation, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen) or, rarely, a local injection of anaesthetic and steroid. For heart-related causes, treatments include medicines to improve blood flow, control blood pressure, and prevent clots. In some cases, procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be needed. For GORD-caused pain, acid-reducing medicines may help. Always follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider gives you – do not stop or change medicines on your own.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for breastbone pain itself. It may be needed if the pain is caused by a heart condition that requires bypass surgery or angioplasty. For some severe cases of costochondritis that do not respond to other treatments, a procedure to remove inflamed cartilage (very uncommon) might be considered.
Living with this condition
Most people with non-serious breastbone pain can continue their normal activities, but they may need to avoid intense physical activity until the pain settles. It is important to listen to your body and not push through the pain.
Lifestyle tips
Avoid smoking – it can worsen many causes of chest pain
Manage stress – deep breathing and relaxation can help with muscle tension
Maintain a healthy weight – excess weight can put strain on the chest
If you have heart risk factors, work with your doctor to control them (e.g., high blood pressure, cholesterol)
Diet and exercise
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health and can reduce inflammation. Gentle exercise, like walking and stretching, is usually fine once the acute pain has passed. Talk to your doctor about when it is safe to return to more vigorous exercise.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Chest pain can be frightening and may cause anxiety or worry about your health. This is normal. If you find yourself constantly worrying or avoiding activities because of fear of pain, talk to your GP. They can offer support or refer you to a counsellor.
Prevention
Not all causes of breastbone pain can be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Avoid heavy lifting without proper technique, warm up before exercise, and treat coughs and colds promptly. To reduce your risk of heart-related chest pain, maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle: eat well, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.
Complications
If left untreated
If a heart attack is not treated quickly, it can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle
Severe costochondritis that is not treated can sometimes become chronic (long-lasting) and lead to persistent chest pain
An untreated infection (like pneumonia) causing the pain could worsen and spread
Long-term outlook
The outlook for breastbone pain varies depending on the cause. Most causes, such as costochondritis or muscle strain, get better within days to weeks with simple care. For heart-related causes, prompt treatment gives the best chance of a good recovery. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people can return to their normal activities and feel better.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
