Consider alternate diagnosis Tietze Syndrome, slipping rib syndrome, intercostal neuralgia, pleurisy. Find out triggers (movements, temperature, pressure from clothing, sleeping posture, posture in general. Warm compress, warm shower, bath, kinesiology tape, support pillows, ibuprofen… I hope your pain lessens. I have been struggling with right sided constant rib cage pain and find all of the above helpful at times. I can’t even imagine the constant struggle of being afraid to take a normal breath. I do have costohondritis but it is on and off, spiced with just constant aches with occasional severe nerve pain type of thing, wrapping around the entire rib cage.

Might also be worth looking into steroid injections (they’re very painful to have done) usually out you into a worse flare up before it gets better but after my last ones I was around a year with almost no flare ups (of costocondritis) defo worth it!

I also find heat helpful I buy stick on 24hr heat pads and use electric blanket which helps a bit x

I agree anti inflammatory meds (naproxen is good for me ) but don’t take without protecting your stomach (omeprazole) or can cause ulcers

Good luck 🤞

Also those who can tolerate anti inflammatory drugs find them helpful. Advil etc. Doctor can prescribe stronger ones

Usually with Costo you have to strengthen the back and chest muscles before you can get better. There is a few good ones on You Tube. Just call up Costochondritis and take it slow. 💜

Yes I have often and sometimes breathing does hurt