NHS highlights costochondritis
The NHS has highlighted a little-known condition that can cause sharp pain in the chest and ribs, and which some people may mistake for a heart attack. The condition, called costochondritis, is inflammation where the ribs join the breastbone. As the NHS explains, it can cause sharp chest pain, especially when moving or breathing, and it usually gets better on its own over time.
The NHS page on the condition, last reviewed on August 14, 2026, notes that costochondritis can cause sharp pain at the front or side of the chest. The pain may feel worse when breathing deeply, lying down, pressing on the middle of the chest or the ribs, or moving the upper body.
The risk of confusion
Health officials are particularly keen to raise awareness because costochondritis pain can lead to confusion in two directions, as reported by Gloucestershire Live and Plymouth Live. Some people may fear the worst, assuming they are having a heart attack when their symptoms are not serious. Others, especially those who have experienced costochondritis before, may wrongly assume their pain is the condition when it could be something far more dangerous.
The NHS stresses that any unexplained chest pain that does not go away should be checked by a healthcare professional. For those who suspect costochondritis, advice is available through NHS 111, but it remains important to have chest pain properly assessed to rule out more serious causes.
When to call 999
The NHS says people should call 999 if they experience certain warning signs. These include sudden chest or back pain that feels like something being torn inside, accompanied by shortness of breath and problems with walking, vision, or speaking. Another red flag is chest pain with difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, or coughing up blood, which could indicate a pulmonary embolism. Chest pain that starts suddenly, spreads to the arm, neck, or jaw, or comes with a tight chest could signal a heart attack and also warrants an immediate 999 call.
The NHS also advises against driving yourself to A&E if you experience severe chest pain, as the 999 call handler will provide guidance on what to do next.
Causes and treatment
While the exact cause of costochondritis is not always known, the condition has been linked to an injury to the chest, repetitive upper body movements such as lifting, coughing a lot, and infection. Treatment often involves anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen, and symptoms can last from a few weeks to a few months. If the pain is severe or not improving, the NHS says to contact a GP, who may suggest a steroid injection or local anaesthetic.