Costochondritis syndrome is characterized by chest pain that is caused by an inflammation of the cartilage that links the rib and the sternum together. The area where the ribs and sternum meet together is called the costosternal joint. The cause of costochondritis is not known, although it is said to be a result of an infection or as a complication after a surgical procedure that involves the sternum. It is commonly experienced by children and adolescents and comprises about 10-30% of chest pain that children complain about. 650,000 yearly cases of chest pain are diagnosed by doctors among people aged 10-21 years old. It has been observed that the peak age is 12-14. It is also more prevalent among females (70%) than in males (30%).Also known as chest wall pain, costochondritis syndrome can mimic the symptoms of other heart conditions such as a heart attack. The only difference between a heart attack and chest wall pain is that a heart attack is characterized with a dull, heavy pain that is located at the chest that is often as if coming from beneath the breast bone. Chest pain that is due to costochondritis is often localized and can be elicited by pressing a finger at a specific area where the patient will be able to pinpoint the discomfort. If pain is accompanied by swelling, the condition is called Tietze syndrome.Having costochondritis can be painful and even inconvenient. The condition starts when there is an inflammation at the cartilage that connects the breast bone (sternum) and ribs together. Costochondritis can come from some causes, but none of them specific and identified as the definite cause. Some doctors say that the condition is caused by repeated microtrauma or injury to the chest, or as a complication to a surgery done at the sternum. Some also say it can be caused by chronic respiratory conditions, a viral infection, or a presence of inflammatory disease. Symptoms of costochondritis can manifest during excessive physical exertion, coughing, and sneezing Treatment of chest wall pain is usually directed either towards the costochondritis causes if possible. If not, a symptomatic approach is done, which means that the doctor is concerned with helping the patient lessen the pain and discomfortThe pain is located at the exact point where the two junctions meet, called the costosternal joint. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to be from repeated microtrauma, a blunt accident involving that area of the chest, or as a complication from a surgical procedure on the sternum. It is said to be a common cause of chest pain among children and adolescents but can be found among adults around 20-40 years of age. This condition is benign but can be very troublesome for some as the pain can be severe enough to affect their daily activities..