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Published on: 8/20/2026

Can COVID-19 cause pain below the breastbone?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, COVID-19 can cause pain below the breastbone (sternum). This symptom is often linked to inflammation of the chest wall, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal irritation, or in some cases, cardiac involvement associated with the virus.

Common COVID-related causes of pain below the sternum include:

  • Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone.
  • Persistent coughing: Strains chest muscles and irritates the sternum area.
  • Acid reflux or GI inflammation: COVID can trigger digestive symptoms that cause burning pain below the sternum.
  • Lung inflammation (pneumonia or pleurisy): May produce sharp or aching chest pain.
  • Cardiac involvement: Rare but serious causes include myocarditis or pericarditis.

Because sternum pain has many possible causes—some mild, some serious—it's important to understand what's driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. A free, AI-powered symptom check takes just a few minutes, is completely private, and can help you identify likely causes and determine whether home care, a doctor's visit, or urgent evaluation is right for you. Getting clarity now can save you time, worry, and unnecessary trips to the ER.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Chest Pain and Discomfort

  • Inflammation: COVID-19 can lead to inflammation in various parts of the body, including the lungs and pleura (the lining around the lungs). This inflammation can cause chest pain, which may be felt below the breastbone.
  • Muscle Strain: Coughing, which is common in COVID-19, can lead to muscle strain in the chest area, resulting in pain that may be perceived as being located below the breastbone.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): COVID-19 can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, including acid reflux, which can cause pain or discomfort in the chest area, often mistaken for heart-related pain.
  • Direct Viral Effects: The virus may affect the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can sometimes be felt in the chest area.

Post-COVID Conditions

  • Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC): Some individuals experience lingering symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, known as "long COVID." This can include chest pain or discomfort, which may be due to ongoing inflammation or other complications related to the virus.

Cardiovascular Complications

  • Myocarditis or Pericarditis: COVID-19 has been associated with inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or the lining around the heart (pericarditis), which can present as chest pain. This pain may be felt below the breastbone or in the chest more generally.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent or severe pain below the breastbone, especially if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Nausea or vomiting

It is important to seek medical attention promptly. To help identify what might be causing your symptoms, you can start by taking a free symptom checker assessment and then consult with a healthcare provider who can perform necessary tests and determine the underlying cause of the pain.

(References)

  • Becker RC. Evaluating chest pain in patients with post COVID conditions permission to think outside of the box. J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2023 May;55(4):592-603. doi: 10.1007/s11239-023-02808-8. Epub 2023 Apr 13. PMID: 37052772; PMCID: PMC10098243.

  • Sinkeldam M, Buenen AG, Celiker E, van Diepen M, de Vos AM. Characteristics of chest pain in COVID-19 patients in the emergency department. Neth Heart J. 2022 Nov;30(11):526-532. doi: 10.1007/s12471-022-01730-7. Epub 2022 Oct 21. PMID: 36269453; PMCID: PMC9589604.

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