Significance

• According HealthHype.com, breastbone pain---ranging from sharp and stabbing to mild soreness---is common and typically harmless, but seek medical attention if it persists.
  
  

Significance

• Breastbone pain can be caused by injuries, such as those sustained during exercise or a car accident. It can also be a sign of respiratory disorders, such as emphysema, or an illness like bronchitis. A heart attack or a panic attack can also produce chest pain.
  
  

Considerations

• The pain of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Your doctor may order an electrocardiogram, stress tests, blood tests and/or a chest X-ray to rule out a heart attack, says the Mayo Clinic. She can use your test results and medical history to diagnose the cause of your pain.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for breastbone pain is typically on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will tailor any medication to the pain's cause---for example, a panic attack could be treated with anti-anxiety drugs, while heartburn treatment might include antacids.