Inflammation is the body’s natural response to infection, irritation or injury. It’s not known exactly why the costochondral joint becomes inflamed, but in some cases it’s been linked to: severe coughing – which strains your chest area; an injury to your chest; physical strain from repeated exercise or sudden exertion that you’re not used to – such as moving furniture; an infection – including respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and wound infections and wear and tear – your chest moves in and out 20 to 30 times a minute, and over time this motion can lead to discomfort in these joints.
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