What organ is just below the breastbone?

Beneath the breastbone (sternum) are vital organs including the heart, thymus gland, lungs, trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels like the aorta, all protected by the rib cage and sternum; the lower parts also relate to the stomach, pancreas, and spleen on the left side.

What causes discomfort below the breastbone?

In addition, you may experience substernal pain — discomfort that occurs below or behind your sternum. This type of pain is usually due to gastrointestinal conditions. Some common causes of sternum or substernal pain include: Costochondritis.

What is a painful bulge below the sternum?

An epigastric hernia is a lump in the midline between your belly button and sternum (breastbone) which can cause pain.

What's directly below your sternum?

The xiphoid process (/ˈzɪfɔɪd/), also referred to as the ensiform process, xiphisternum, or metasternum, constitutes a small cartilaginous process (extension) located in the inferior segment of the sternum, typically ossified in adult humans.

What does a costochondritis flare feel like?

central chest pain or discomfort that doesn't go away – it may feel like pressure, tightness or squeezing. pain that radiates down the left arm, or both arms, or to the neck, jaw, back or stomach. unconsciousness.

Pain Below The Breastbone (Sternum)

What does a hernia feel like under the breastbone?

An epigastric hernia occurs in the front of your abdomen between your breastbone and belly button. It may not cause symptoms. When it does, symptoms are a bulge that you can see and feel. You may have a dull ache or sharp pain.

What are the first signs of an epigastric hernia?

It is usually easy to recognize an epigastric hernia. You may notice a bulge under the skin in the upper abdomen. You may feel pain when you lift heavy objects, cough, strain during urination or bowel movements, or during prolonged standing or sitting.

What is a hiatal hernia under the sternum?

A hiatal hernia happens when the top of your stomach bulges through an opening in your diaphragm. This is a very common condition, especially as you get older. It doesn't always cause symptoms, but when it does, they're usually related to acid reflux. Treatment is available for hiatal hernias that cause symptoms.

What lymphatic organ is located behind the sternum?

The thymus gland. The thymus gland is in the chest between the lungs. It makes white blood cells (T lymphocytes) which are part of the immune system and help fight infection. The thymus gland is in the chest, between the lungs and behind the breastbone or sternum.

Is sternum pain related to heart issues?

Many conditions can cause pain in the sternum, including injuries, pneumonia, bronchitis, and costochondritis. Gastrointestinal problems, such as acid reflux, can cause pain behind the sternum. People may believe that their sternum pain is a heart attack symptom. However, it is possible to differentiate the two.

How do you know if your spleen is hurting your ribs?

A damaged or ruptured spleen

Signs of a ruptured spleen are: pain behind your left ribs and tenderness when you touch this area. dizziness and a rapid heart rate (a sign of low blood pressure caused by blood loss)

Why do I have pain under my bra line?

Bra strap syndrome can directly affect the muscles underneath the bra causing pain and tightness, for example, the trapezius muscles, the scalenes, the pectorals, the spinal muscles at the mid-back region and the muscles that attach on to the scapula.

Why does my diaphragm hurt just below my sternum?

What can cause pain in the diaphragm area? Pain in the diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen — can happen for many reasons, such as an injury, pregnancy, and pneumonia. The diaphragm moves downward so the lungs can fill with air during inhalation.

How to relieve pain under the breastbone?

Heat or ice. Try placing hot compresses or a heating pad on the painful area several times a day. Keep the heat on a low setting. Ice also might be helpful.

What are the 5 warning signs of a hernia?

Symptoms in Men

• A bulge you can see or feel.
• Aching pain in the area.
• A feeling of pressure.
• A tugging sensation of the scrotum around the testicles.
• Pain that worsens with activities that add pressure to the area, such as heavy lifting, pushing and straining.

What happens if an epigastric hernia is left untreated?

In some cases, hernias cease from growing, but they never get smaller. In some extreme cases, hernias can become so large that the abdominal cavity can collapse – making repair much more difficult. At any rate, it's better to get a hernia treated while it is relatively small than to wait until it grows in size.

Will a CT scan show an epigastric hernia?

If you have an umbilical or epigastric hernia, your doctor will often order imaging tests, such as: Ultrasounds. Computed tomography (CT) scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

What are the signs that a hiatal hernia is getting worse?

With most instances of hiatal hernia, symptoms are unnoticeable and don't need treatment. More serious symptoms of hiatal hernia potentially getting worse may include trouble swallowing, heartburn, belching, tiredness and chest pain.

How do I check myself for a stomach hernia?

How do I check myself for a hernia?

1. Stand in front of a mirror and examine the affected area. ...
2. Gently feel the affected area with your fingers to check for any protrusions or abnormalities. ...
3. Take note of any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms you may be experiencing, and when they occur.

What can be mistaken for an abdominal hernia?

Certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastric ulcers or constipation, can cause abdominal bloating or swelling, which might be mistaken for a hernia. IBS can cause cramping, bloating and discomfort in the abdominal region, which can lead patients to believe they have a hernia.

Where is fibromyalgia chest pain?

It is commonly described as a sharp, piercing feeling in the central chest area surrounding the breastbone and ribs, and this discomfort might also extend to other areas like your back or arms. Other symptoms and sensations might include: sharp, stabbing pain.

What is Tietze's syndrome?

Tietze syndrome is a rare, nonsuppurative inflammatory condition characterized by chest pain and swelling at the costochondral junction. [1] Tietze syndrome is a painful but benign condition characterized by localized swelling, most commonly unilaterally at the 2nd and 3rd costosternal or costochondral joints.

What are the symptoms of Xiphodynia?

The most common symptoms associated with xiphodynia are “cardiac chest pain, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and pain that radiates to the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and chest wall”.

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