Xiphoid Process - Sternum Apparent Swelling

[janmarbol]

I searched everywhere to see what organ/bone/muscle is in the area affecting me, and found that it might be xiphoid process.

There are times it takes my breath away as it seems to swell. Most of the time it worsens after eating or late in the day. There is no comfortable position and pressing on it seems to alleviate it while applying the pressure, or changing positions may help temporarily (even an inch can sometimes do the trick).

It goes from bothersome to almost painful, and it's hard to breath!! I have never injured the area either. If I wear a tight bra, it feels like someone is punching me. It becomes like a round ball; you can't see it, but you can definitely feel it.

Does anyone know if there an organ in the digestive tract behind the sternum and/or xiphoid process (lower sternum) that tends to swell and therefore apply pressure to the xiphoid process and make it seem like that's what's swelling?

I can't believe a cartilage/bone would swell from eating. I don't eat much either.

Help! What is this???

[Unregistered]

I have the same issue, which sent me to the ER 3 times over the course of a month. Of course, not one of those Dr.'s was able to diagnose it (though they did rule out the heart). One suggested I see my Gastroenterologist, who told me it was one of 3 possiblilities: gall bladder, digestive tract or costochondritis. Procedures ruled out the first two and by process of elimination, costochondritis was the.. winner. Inflamation of the cartlidge surrounding the rib cage causes this pain/discomfort. Anti-inflamatories help along with several 20 min. sessions each night with a heating pad covering the area. It subsided after a few weeks, but has recently returned after approx. 8 mo.
Hope this helps.

I searched everywhere to see what organ/bone/muscle is in the area affecting me, and found that it might be xiphoid process.

There are times it takes my breath away as it seems to swell. Most of the time it worsens after eating or late in the day. There is no comfortable position and pressing on it seems to alleviate it while applying the pressure, or changing positions may help temporarily (even an inch can sometimes do the trick).

It goes from bothersome to almost painful, and it's hard to breath!! I have never injured the area either. If I wear a tight bra, it feels like someone is punching me. It becomes like a round ball; you can't see it, but you can definitely feel it.

Does anyone know if there an organ in the digestive tract behind the sternum and/or xiphoid process (lower sternum) that tends to swell and therefore apply pressure to the xiphoid process and make it seem like that's what's swelling?

I can't believe a cartilage/bone would swell from eating. I don't eat much either.

Help! What is this???