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Warning-sign checks

Tietze syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for new, severe, or unexplained chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness.

    Emergency assessment is also important if chest pain occurs with:

    • Shortness of breath
    • Sweating, nausea, faintness, or collapse
    • Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or neck
    • A very fast or irregular heartbeat
    • Coughing up blood
    • Sudden severe symptoms after a period of immobility or a recent operation

    Do not drive yourself if you may be having a medical emergency.

    Tietze syndrome cannot be safely identified from symptoms alone during a new episode.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if the swollen area becomes increasingly red, hot, or painful, or if you develop a fever.

    These features may indicate infection or another cause.

    Significant chest injury, difficulty breathing, an enlarging lump, or pain that is rapidly worsening also needs timely assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if pain or swelling is not improving, keeps returning, or limits normal activities.

    Review is also appropriate if the pattern changes or if recommended pain relief is ineffective or causes side effects.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tietze syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.