What conditions can affect the xiphoid process?
A rare condition that can affect the xiphoid process is an infection called xiphisternal tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs and causes upper respiratory symptoms like coughing and chest pain.
Can a xiphoid deformity cause chest pain?
The journal Thorax reported that the xiphoid process can cause chest pain if the tip of it protrudes inwardly. This can rub on the heart and cause pain similar to angina.10. It is difficult to diagnose a xiphoid deformity as a cause of pain due to the fact that the deformity doesn’t always show up in X-ray exams.
How can you tell the difference between xiphoid process inflammation and inflammation?
Usually, you can tell the difference between pain caused by xiphoid process inflammation and heart-related pain because the sternum will feel tender to touch. A rare condition that can affect the xiphoid process is an infection called xiphisternal tuberculosis.
What does xiphoid process pain feel like?
The pain of an inflamed xiphoid process may be dull and constant or it could cause sharp pain especially when you cough or breathe deeply. The journal JACEP said that inflammation of the sternum and joints of the rib cage can cause pain in the chest.
Why do I feel pressure in my xiphoid process?
Acid reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus, and since the esophagus is located behind the breastbone, xiphoid process pain can develop along with reflux symptoms. Other factors that contribute to xiphoid process pain include: heart disease. overeating.
Is xiphoid process life threatening?
However, if the xiphoid process breaks or fractures, it is possible for bone fragments to cause damage to surrounding vital organs. For example, in rare cases, it is possible for a bone fragment to puncture the lungs, which can be life threatening.
What organ is directly behind the xiphoid process?
The thymus is a small organ located just behind the breast bone (sternum) in the front part of the chest.
Can the xiphoid process become inflamed?
Symptoms of xiphoid process pain Symptoms tend to come and go, making it a challenge to diagnose. It is also possible for the area to become inflamed, causing a lump to develop around the lower sternum.
Can xiphoid process make you sick?
Xiphoidalgia syndrome is a disorder in which there is pain and tenderness of the xiphoid, which is located on the sternum. Pain worsens with chest movement, lifting heavy objects, and bending. Xiphoidalgia syndrome can also cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Can costochondritis cause shortness of breath?
Can costochondritis cause trouble breathing? Difficulty breathing is not a symptom of costochondritis, but it's understandable if it feels difficult because of the chest pain, especially when that pain gets worse because of a deep breath or a cough. Go to the hospital immediately if you're having trouble breathing.
What muscles attach to the xiphoid process?
The xiphoid process provides an attachment site for the diaphragm, the most important muscle of respiration, and the abdominal muscular including the external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, and rectus abdominis muscles.
What is Tietze's syndrome?
Tietze syndrome is a rare, inflammatory disorder characterized by chest pain and swelling of the cartilage of one or more of the upper ribs (costochondral junction), specifically where the ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum). Onset of pain may be gradual or sudden and may spread to affect the arms and/or shoulders.
What Is The Xiphoid Process?
Your xiphoid process is a small cartilaginous extension at the lower end of your breastbone, or sternum. At birth, it is a thin, roughly triangular...
Symptoms of Xiphoid Process Pain
Conditions that result in aches and pain in your xiphoid process can cause various types of symptoms. Xiphodynia can cause pain directly in the cen...
Causes of Xiphoid Process Pain
Let’s look in more detail at what can be the reason for xiphoid process pain and what you can do to relieve the pain naturally.
How Doctors Diagnose Xiphoid Process Pain
As mentioned in this article, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose xiphoid process pain. One reason is that there is a risk that any chest p...
How to Treat Xiphoid Process Pain
There are various ways to treat xiphoid process pain naturally depending on the cause of xiphoidalgia.
Xiphoid Process Pain – When to See A Doctor
Even though xiphoid process pain is harmless in itself and doesn’t usually cause any other complication other than discomfort, you should never ign...
Why does the xiphoid process hurt?
Xiphoid process pain has several possible explanations. Pain can occur after an accident that causes chest trauma. This damages the structure of the xiphoid process, causing it to bend or break off. Damage can also occur from incorrect cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or resuscitation with too much force.
What is the pain caused by the xiphoid process?
Pain caused by the xiphoid process is called xiphoidalgia. Xiphoid process pain occurs for varying reasons. Pain — which can be mild, moderate, or severe — is typically felt in the lower part of the sternum. The sternum is the bone that makes up the middle front of your ribcage.
How does a surgeon perform xiphoid surgery?
To perform this surgery, a surgeon makes an incision along the base of the xiphoid process. Using electrosurgical dissection, the surgeon cuts and releases the exposed xiphoid process from the sternum, and then uses electrocoagulation (electric currents) to stop bleeding.
How to treat xiphoid pain?
Modifying eating habits can treat xiphoid process pain associated with acid reflux disease. Eat smaller meals five to six times a day and avoid certain trigger foods (e.g., alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, and tomatoes).
How long does it take for a xiphoid to heal?
In one study, a 53-year-old surfer was able to resume surfing 26 days after xiphoid process removal.
What to do if xiphoid doesn't resolve?
If you develop pain, a lump, or swelling in the xiphoid process that doesn’t resolve in a few weeks, you should speak with your doctor. They can help you uncover the underlying cause and then discuss your treatment options.
What happens if you break your xiphoid?
Although the xiphoid process has a specific role in anatomy, a broken xiphoid process can cause serious problems, such as puncturing internal organs. Your doctor may recommend surgical removal for breaks or fractures. This is a last resort procedure when other therapies fail. To perform this surgery, a surgeon makes an incision along the base of the xiphoid process. Using electrosurgical dissection, the surgeon cuts and releases the exposed xiphoid process from the sternum, and then uses electrocoagulation (electric currents) to stop bleeding.
Why is xiphoid process pain so difficult to diagnose?
The symptoms of xiphoid process pain can be difficult to diagnose because it can mimic symptoms of other health issues. Your chest contains many important organs protected by your rib cage. Sometimes xiphoid syndrome discomfort can be mistaken for heart-related pain, breastbone or rib pain, or chest infections.
What is the pain of a xiphoid?
For example, pressing on the xiphoid process may cause sharp pain at the lower part of the sternum. However, pain may also radiate to the shoulders, arms or back.
Why is my xiphodynia so painful?
Gastroesophageal reflux is another common reason for xiphodynia. The esophagus is found close to the xiphoid process and chest pain caused by GERD can also make the xiphoid process painful.
What causes pain in the center of the chest?
Conditions that result in aches and pain in your xiphoid process can cause various types of symptoms. Xiphodynia can cause pain directly in the center of the chest, or pain that radiates to the shoulders, throat, and arms.
What causes xiphoid process pain?
Inflammation, digestive issues, or injury can cause xiphoid process pain which doctors refer to as xiphoid syndrome, xiphoidalgia, or xiphodynia. Xiphoid process pain is a common source of chest pain that can also cause abdominal discomfort and pain that radiates to other areas of your body. The symptoms of xiphoid process pain can be difficult ...
What causes chest pain and coughing?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs and causes upper respiratory symptoms like coughing and chest pain. According to the Polish Journal of Radiology, tuberculosis can affect just the xiphoid process and cause pain and swelling in the lower part of the sternum. 12.
Can xiphoid process pain cause nausea?
In some instances, patients mistake xiphoid process pain for cardiac pain and they may even have nausea, vomiting, and diar rhea. Advertisement. Sometimes the pain can resemble a dull ache that causes discomfort in the chest or the pain can be severe, especially when moving the upper body or lifting heavy items.
Why does my xiphoid process hurt?
Causes of xiphoid process pain. Lifting heavy objects may cause xiphoid process pain. A common cause of xiphoid process pain is acute chest trauma that has damaged the structure. The xiphoid process is not protected or supported by surrounding structures, making it vulnerable to damage.
How to treat xiphoid pain?
Treatment for xiphoid process pain depends on its cause. A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. They may also recommend that a person experiencing pain from xiphoid process avoids high-intensity exercise or activities that put a strain on the area. Damage to the xiphoid process itself is not severe.
What kind of imaging is used to diagnose xiphoid pain?
Given the difficulty in confirming xiphoid process pain, doctors may recommend an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ), or computerized tomography (CT) scan. With the help of these images, it is possible to assess any damage to the structure and the extent of any inflammation.
How to remove xiphoid?
The xiphoid process can be removed using an electrosurgical dissection of the lower sternum. The procedure is considered safe, with a low risk of complications.
Can xiphoid cause pain in lower sternum?
Symptoms tend to come and go, making it a challenge to diagnose. It is also possible for the area to become inflamed, causing a lump to develop around the lower sternum.
Can xiphoid fractures damage organs?
Damage to the xiphoid process itself is not severe. However, if the xiphoid process breaks or fractures, it is possible for bone fragments to cause damage surrounding vital organs. For example, it is possible for a bone fragment to puncture the lungs, which can be life-threatening.
Can xiphoid process pain be mistaken for a broken rib?
For example, it can be initially mistaken for a broken rib. The presence of inflammation forming a lump can also be mistaken for a tumor or a hernia.
Why does xiphoid cause irritability?
Xiphoidalgia can cause irritability and altered mood due to the pain and the hindrance that pain causes in the day to day activity.
What is the xiphoid process?
The xiphoid process is the lower most part of the sternum. It is cartilaginous at time of birth and ossifies later in life. In infants the xiphoid process is more prominent then in adults and can be easily felt at the lower border of sternum. As a child grown the xiphoid process becomes less and less visible.#N#But in some adults especially those who have lost a lot a weight, the xiphoid process can be felt. In obese people the visceral fat exerts pressure on the internal organs and ribcage and causes them to expand, since the xiphoid process is cartilaginous it can be pushed out and can seem like something is protruding out from the sternum. As soon as obese people lose a little weight the protruded xiphoid process can be felt. Most people when notice a protrusions on the lower part of sternum think cancer or tumor and panic, while other people just ignore it and hope it might disappear.#N#While most doctors agree that a protruding xiphoid process is not a cause of alarm and contrary to popular belief is normal, still you should consult your GP to confirm whether the protrusion is actually xiphoid process. The other cause to consult your GP is if you feel pain or tenderness in the xiphoid process.#N#Lump on the sternum can also be caused by trauma or accident to the xiphoid process or by a fractured xiphoid process that did not heal properly and is protruding outwards.
Why does my xiphoid hurt?
The other reason that GERD can cause xiphoid pain is due the triggering of other somato-visceral symptoms like heartburn.
What are the complications of Xiphoid syndrome?
The complications include pneumothorax, peritoneal perforation and infection. Physiotherapy of the chest muscles might also prove helpful in reducing pain. Xiphoid syndrome is a musculoskeletal disorder, so it is important to also pay attention to the muscles that attack to the xiphoid process.
How to treat xiphoid pain?
Cold application can also help reduce the discomfort of xiphoidalgia. If pain is not relieved by drugs then lidocaine (local anesthetic) and corticosteroids can be injected into the xiphoid process to help alleviate pain.
Why is xiphoid pain misdiagnosed?
Xiphoid process pain is commonly misdiagnosed due to a variety of reasons, the main reason being that it can produce varied constellations of symptoms. These varied symptoms can be easily mistaken for any number of common abdominal or thoracic disorders. The other reason why doctors sometimes overlook xiphoid syndrome is that it is usually associated with another disease like gall bladder stones or heart disease. Doctors are mostly so busy dealing with the more serious disease that may present along with Xiphoid syndrome that it can be easily overlooked.#N#The doctors are divided into two groups when the topic of incidence of xiphoid syndrome is raised, some say that it is a rare disorder while others think that it is a common disorder but is most overlooked or misdiagnosed.
How long does xiphoid pain last?
The pain of xiphoid syndrome can also be referred to the shoulders and the back. The pain is usually sudden in onset and can persist for weeks to months but most of the times disappears spontaneous. The following symptom may or may not be present in everyone suffering from xiphoid syndrome: Chest pain.
What is the Xiphoid process?
This means that for the majority of people, the xiphoid faces inward so there's no lump on their chests. However, about 5% of people have what is called a “protruding ” xiphoid process. For these people, the xiphoid protrudes out of the chest, forming a lump that may look like a tumour. Click to see full answer.
Why does xiphodynia cause displacement?
Anterior displacement of the xiphoid process may be the result of significant weight gain. Repeated trauma of the afflicted area , unaccustomed heavy lifting, exercise, and perichondritis are, amongst other causes, believed to contribute to the development of xiphodynia.
