Obscure symptom to look out for when lying down that could mean you need to call 999 urgently

The NHS has warned to call 999 immediately if you experience this unusual symptom when lying down - which could be serious.

While we all feel different twinges depending on what we have eaten that day, or perhaps if we haven’t drunk enough water, the NHS has issued explained what to look out for when you lay down as it could indicate something is seriously wrong.

The condition has similar symptoms as a heart attack. (PeopleImages/Getty Images)

The symptom, which is similar to that of a heart attack, occurs when there is inflammation at the point your ribs join the bone in the middle of your chest (breastbone).

While the condition can sometimes improve independently, monitoring by health professionals is crucial, as symptoms can worsen with movement or breathing.

Costochondritis, as the condition is called, usually causes a sharp pain in the centre of the chest.

This may worsen when you move your upper body, lie down, breathe deeply, or press the middle of your chest.

The NHS warned that although the condition may frequently resolve itself, if sudden chest pain accompanies it for more than 15 minutes, it’s time to call 999.

Alongside this, they added to call emergency services if the pain:

• Spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw.
• Makes your chest feel tight or heavy.
• Started with a shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick or being sick.

The NHS has issued guidance (Getty stock photo)

The reason they have made this so clear is because these symptoms are almost identical to those of a heart attack.

They said: “Call 999 immediately as you need immediate treatment in hospital.”

In cases where Costochondritis is confirmed to be present, the level of discomfort can be significant for the patient suffering.

The good news is that treatments are available - if the condition hasn’t got better on its own already.

The website says: “Costochondritis usually gets better on its own over time. “It can last for a few weeks to several months.”

What causes the rare condition is often unknown to health professionals, but they have devised a list of possible causes, which include:

• An injury to your chest.
• Repetitive upper body movements, like lifting.
• Coughing a lot.
• Infection.

It can also sometimes be caused by a problem with the joints in the back, or can be mistaken for another underlying condition like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.