Pain Beside Right Breast
Treatment – People with symptoms of pneumonia should see a doctor. Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms are severe. Pneumonia can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications, and some people require hospitalization. Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia and the severity of symptoms.
getting plenty of restdrinking lots of fluidstaking OTC pain relieversavoiding tobacco smoke and other lung irritantstaking oral antibiotic or oral antiviral therapy, as prescribed
See a doctor if the pain under the right breast gets worse, does not go away, or is interfering with daily activities. Also, seek medical attention if the pain accompanies other concerning symptoms. Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention:
severe, sharp, or sudden chest painchest pain that radiates to other parts of the body, such as the jaw, arms, or shouldersa bluish tint to the lips or skindifficulty breathingcoughing up bloodconfusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
Pain under the right breast is rarely a cause for concern and often results from muscles strains or minor injuries. However, it can indicate a more serious condition, such as an infection, chest inflammation, or a gastrointestinal issue. If the pain gets worse, does not go away, or occurs with other concerning symptoms, see a doctor.
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Why do I have pain next to my right breast?
Overview – Breast pain (mastalgia) can be described as tenderness, throbbing, sharp, stabbing, burning pain or tightness in the breast tissue. The pain may be constant or it may occur only occasionally, and it can occur in men, women and transgender people. Breast pain can range from mild to severe. It may occur:
Just a few days a month, in the two to three days leading up to a menstrual period. This normal, mild-to-moderate pain affects both breasts. A week or longer each month, starting before a period and sometimes continuing through the menstrual cycle. The pain may be moderate or severe, and affects both breasts. Throughout the month, not related to a menstrual cycle.
In men, breast pain is most commonly caused by a condition called “gynecomastia” (guy-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh). This refers to an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue that’s caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.
Why do I have a sharp pain in the right side of my breast near my armpit?
Right-side pain under the armpit may be due to muscle strain, infections, or skin conditions. Sometimes, armpit pain may indicate a more serious issue, such as cancer or an issue with the heart. The armpit area contains many lymph nodes, nerves, and blood vessels.
It also connects to muscles in the chest, arms, and around the rib cage. There are many causes of right-side pain under the armpit, including muscle strain, infections, or skin conditions. In some cases, it may indicate a more severe condition, such as cancer. This article examines the possible causes of right-side pain under the armpit, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.
Pain under the armpit can have various causes, including:
How do I get rid of sharp pain in my right breast?
Shooting pain in the breast isn’t always concerning. It can be related to your menstrual cycle or hormonal changes. You can usually self-treat it, but if the cause is an infection or another condition, you’ll need medical attention. In these cases, there are typically additional symptoms.
- Your doctor will use this information to help identify the underlying cause and advise you about any next steps.
- Eep reading to learn what may be causing this pain and when to see a doctor.
- There are times when you should call your local emergency services or have someone drive you to the emergency room right away.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sharp breast pain alongside one or more of the following:
feelings of pressure, fullness, or squeezing in the chest that may come and go pain that radiates from the chest to the arms, back, jaw, neck, or shoulders unexplained nausea or sweating shortness of breath sudden confusion loss of consciousness
These could be symptoms of a serious condition, such as a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot in the lung, Breast pain often falls into one of two categories: cyclic or noncyclic. Cyclic pain is usually related to your menstrual cycle, leaving noncyclic pain as a catchall term for everything else.
Use this chart to help narrow down the type of pain that you’re experiencing. The fluctuating hormones associated with your monthly menstrual cycle are a common culprit for breast pain. However, no two cycles are alike. For example, some people may only experience breast pain right before their periods, due to the increase in estrogen.
Others may have more substantial pain during their periods, when their estrogen levels start to fall. Your body may also retain more water before or during your period. This can make your breasts appear fuller, and they may press on ligaments, blood vessels, or other areas, causing discomfort.
Other times of hormonal fluctuation can lead to breast pain. For example, your progesterone levels increase during pregnancy. This causes your breasts to retain more fluid. It also plays a role in preparing your milk ducts so that you can pump or breastfeed. This can all contribute to breast pain, Your nipples may also be more sensitive during this time.
And, just as you can have breast pain during your menstrual cycle, you can also experience pain when your menstrual cycle goes away. This happens during menopause, when your estrogen levels decrease, leading to greater breast sensitivity and susceptibility to pain.
oxymetholone (Anadrol) chlorpromazine (Largactil)digitalis (Digoxin) methyldopa (Aldomet)spironolactone (Aldactone)
Birth control pills and other hormonal medications can also cause breast pain, often related to your menstrual cycle. Although some people take birth control pills to help minimize breast pain and other menstrual symptoms, others may find that they experience more pain instead of less.
- If you think a medication is contributing to your symptoms, continue taking the medication and consult a doctor.
- You shouldn’t discontinue use without your doctor’s guidance and approval.
- A history of injury to the breast can result in lingering discomfort.
- This includes blunt trauma, such as when a steering wheel or airbag hits the chest during a car accident.
Falls and blows to the chest can also result in lingering pain. Having a history of breast reduction surgery, breast implant surgery, or mastectomy may contribute to your symptoms. These surgeries can affect blood flow and nerve transmission, resulting in painful side effects over time.
- Cysts are a common source of breast pain, especially in those ages 35 and older.
- A cyst occurs when a gland in the breast becomes plugged or blocked with fluid.
- You may or may not be able to feel a lump in this location.
- If the cyst is large or in an awkward spot, it can place extra pressure on nearby breast tissue and cause pain.
Although cysts usually go away on their own, treatment is available. Talk to a doctor or another healthcare provider if the pain is severe or if your symptoms are otherwise interfering with your day-to-day life. They may be able to speed the healing process along by draining the cyst.
redness swelling fever
Mastitis refers to inflammation or infection in the breast tissue. It primarily affects people who are breastfeeding. It occurs when bacteria from the infant’s mouth enters the breast through the milk duct. Other symptoms of mastitis may include:
swellinga lump or thickening of breast tissueredness, often in the shape of a wedgea fever of 101°F (38°C) or higher
Some people may experience chronic mastitis. For example, people who are menopausal or postmenopausal may go on to develop ductal ectasia, This condition causes the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and other cellular waste products. It can cause:
rednessunusual nipple discharge, which is likely white, green, or blacknipples that are inverted, turning inward
If the bacteria continues to build up, an infection can occur. This will present with the usual mastitis symptoms. Fat necrosis is a type of scarring that can occur after you’ve had breast surgery or an injury to the breast. The condition causes scar tissue to develop in place of breast tissue.
- When the fat cells die, they can release oil that forms a cyst.
- Doctors simply call these oil cysts.
- Fat necrosis and oil cysts can both cause lumps in the breast that may sometimes trigger chest pain.
- Fibroadenomas are noncancerous lumps that often occur from ages 15 to 35.
- These lumps are usually round and easy to move when touched.
Although fibroadenomas are usually painless, larger lumps may press on nearby tissues and blood vessels, causing discomfort. Some fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, help reduce inflammation in the body. If you don’t get enough of these fatty acids in your diet, your breast tissue may become more sensitive to inflammation and hormonal fluctuations.
- This can result in breast pain and discomfort.
- Upping your intake of oily fish, seeds, and nuts can help restore the balance and alleviate your symptoms.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland is unable to produce enough of certain hormones.
- Although the thyroid helps regulate many bodily functions, symptoms are often slow to develop.
Over time, you may notice:
breast painweight gainfatiguedry skinconstipationthinning hairmuscle weakness
Sometimes, pain you feel in the breast doesn’t actually originate in or extend to the breast at all. Doctors call this extramammary pain. Common examples include:
Muscle spasm, When a muscle contracts and can’t relax, a spasm occurs. Muscle spasms of the chest wall, ribs, or back can all cause chest pain. Acid reflux. This condition occurs when acid from the stomach goes up into the esophagus and sometimes the mouth. This can cause a painful burning sensation in the chest. Costochondritis, This condition causes inflammation in the cartilage where the rib and breastbone connect. Sometimes, it can cause chest pain that can feel like a heart attack. Bronchitis. This condition causes inflammation in the airways, resulting in excessive coughing and mucus buildup. Pneumonia. This is a serious respiratory infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs. Coughing and chest pain are common. Shingles, This condition results from the same virus that causes childhood chickenpox. Later in life, it can cause a painful rash to form on the breasts. Thoracic spine disease. Sometimes pain from a slipped disc or from spinal joints rubbing together can transmit to nerves in the chest, increasing the severity. You may find that certain movements or coughing make the pain worse. Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a nerve and soft tissue disorder that causes muscle pain and tenderness. This may include chest discomfort.
Breast pain usually isn’t associated with breast cancer. It’s possible to experience pain with inflammatory breast cancer, but this condition is rare, Inflammatory breast cancer may also cause:
discoloration that often resembles a bruisedimpled or pitted skina change in nipple shape or positiona sudden change in breast sizeenlarged lymph nodes
Researchers aren’t sure what causes inflammatory breast cancer, but they have identified a couple of risk factors. You may be more likely to develop this condition if you’re:
a womanblackobese
See a doctor right away if you think that your symptoms indicate cancer. They can determine the underlying cause and advise you about any next steps. Most breast pain should go away if a person tries at-home and over-the-counter treatments, such as ibuprofen, warm compresses, and finding a well-fitting, supportive bra,
Why do I get a sharp pain in my ribs under my right breast when I cough?
2. Costochondritis – Inflammation of the cartilage attached to a rib, or costochondritis, may result from trauma, violent coughing, infection, or strain injury to the affected joint. This is a common condition that causes chest pain and it usually feels worse with physical activity or when you sneeze or cough. However, it is not serious and is usually relieved with rest and OTC pain relievers.
Should I ignore breast pain?
Symptoms of other breast problems – Most breast pain is nothing to be worried about. But you should still get checked out by your doctor or another health professional if you have breast pain. We don’t want you to ignore potential signs of breast cancer or another serious problem.
Any lumps in your breast Changes in how your breast’s skin looks or feels Changes in the size or shape of your breast Clear or bloody nipple discharge Lumps or thick areas in or near your breast or underarm Tender nipple
Of course, you should get regular mammograms as your doctor recommends, We recommend that all women who are not at high risk for breast cancer start having annual mammograms at age 40, You might need to have mammograms earlier or more often based on your personal and family health history.
Can heart problems cause right breast pain?
Heart disease – Underlying heart disease can cause extra-mammary breast pain. How does it happen? Heart problems can affect the chest wall, giving the impression that it’s the breasts, and not the heart, that’s the source of the problem. What’s the treatment for heart-related breast pain? Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in Australia, and is caused by a whole range of issues.
What is the iron bra syndrome?
The post mastectomy pain of Iron bra syndrome is a feeling of extreme tightness across the across the ribs and chest. It is often described as feeling like an incredibly tight underwire bra pushing in on the ribs – thus the colloquial Iron Bra name.
Can hormonal imbalance cause pain in one breast?
Are there different types of breast pain? – There are two distinct types of breast pain, which are:
Cyclic breast pain. This type of breast pain lines up with your menstrual cycle, Because of that, it’s more common in 20-to-50-year-old women — and it’s particularly common in women who are on the younger end of that range. You may have breast pain in one breast or both, and it typically occurs due to natural hormonal shifts. Roughly a week before your period, you may start to feel a little pain in the upper, outer parts of your breasts. Cyclic breast pain goes away naturally once you get your period, but returns during your next menstrual cycle. Most women don’t experience this type of breast pain after menopause. Noncyclic breast pain. This type of breast pain has nothing to do with your menstrual cycle, and is more common in 40-to-50-year-old women.
What is a sharp stabbing pain in chest?
Chest pain and heart problems – The most common heart problems that cause chest pain include:
pericarditis – which usually causes a sudden, sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or lie down angina or a heart attack – which have similar symptoms but a heart attack is life-threatening
You’re more likely to have heart problems if you’re older or know you’re at risk of coronary heart disease, For example, if you:
smokeare very overweight (obese) have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol have a history of heart attacks or angina in family members under 60 years old
Page last reviewed: 14 August 2020 Next review due: 14 August 2023
Why do I feel pinching in my breast?
Breast pain, or mastalgia, is very common. Possible causes of breast pain include hormonal changes, an incorrect bra fit, and infections. Pain in the breast affects approximately two-thirds of females during their reproductive years, and it is one of the most frequent complaints of those aged 15–40 years.
Breast pain is not commonly a symptom of breast cancer, but if a person has pain alongside other breast changes, such as a lump or discharge, they should speak with a doctor. Keep reading to learn more about some of the possible causes of breast pain and get tips on how to manage this symptom. Tender or swollen breasts are usually related to the hormonal changes that take place before a period.
This type of breast pain usually causes tenderness in both breasts, and it may extend to the armpit. When breast pain is related to the menstrual cycle, it is known as cyclic breast pain. Cyclic breast pain can be part of a set of symptoms that occur before a period, known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or it may occur on its own.
mood swings acne headachesbloating diarrhea or constipation tiredness trouble sleeping
PMS is temporary, and it usually goes away several days after a period begins. In the meantime, people can treat the symptoms by taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, wearing a comfortable and supportive bra, and using gentle heat to soothe the pain.
Breast pain can also occur due to other hormonal changes, such as those that take place during pregnancy or in the first stage of menopause, Learn why the breasts can be sore before a period, Bras can cause breast pain if they are too tight or they contain an underwire that digs into the skin or breast tissue.
If a person gets cyclic breast pain, they may also find that at certain times in their menstrual cycle, their usual bras feel too small or are uncomfortable. People can get a bra fitting for free at many department stores to find the right size for them.
- They may wish to purchase non-wired, supportive, and comfortable bras if they experience soreness before their period.
- Supportive bras can also help when exercising.
- According to a 2021 article, 60–70% of women report less breast pain when they wear a sports bra during exercise.
- Fibrocystic breast changes are harmless but potentially uncomfortable symptoms that cause the breasts to feel lumpy or otherwise different in texture due to hormonal fluctuations.
Fibrocystic breast disease is the most common type of noncancerous breast condition. The symptoms may include:
breasts that feel firmer or thicker than usualtendernesslumps or cystssensitive nipplesitchiness
The symptoms may get worse before a period, and they will usually stop after menopause. The treatment or management of fibrocystic breasts may involve :
taking OTC pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)applying cool or warm compresses when the breasts are more painfulavoiding a large intake of salt, caffeine, or fat in the dietstarting or stopping birth control pills
If fibrocystic breast changes may be related to a new contraceptive, it is important to speak with a doctor before making any changes to the dosage. Mastitis is the term for inflammation or swelling in the breasts. The usual cause is an infection. Although the condition most often affects those who are breastfeeding, it can occur in people who are not. The symptoms of mastitis include:
swelling, pain, and warmth in part of the breast fever headachesgeneral flu -like symptoms
The treatment for an infection is antibiotics, A person who is breastfeeding will also need to empty the breasts of milk. If an abscess is present, doctors will drain the pus surgically or remove it with a needle. Both surgery and radiation therapy for breast cancer can cause scar tissue formation. This can result in:
numbness or pain, if the scar tissue develops around nervesan increase in firmness or a rounder appearance of the breastformation of a lump if the scar forms around a surgical stitch
Treatment options include:
physical therapy, if the scar tissue causes pain, stiffness, and pressuresurgical removal of scar tissue, if it is very painfuluse of creams and ointments to lessen the appearance of scars, if a person finds them bothersome
Breast pain can originate from outside the breast, rather than within it. For example, sprains or injuries in the back, neck, or shoulder might cause pain that a person feels in the breast. A 2020 study notes that cervical root disorders, which people sometimes refer to as a pinched nerve, can cause breast pain.
These disorders involve damage to or inflammation of a nerve root in the neck. When people perceive pain in a broader area than the site where it originates, this is known as referred pain. The treatment relies on finding the underlying problem. For example, if a person with breast pain has a pinched nerve, physical therapy or spinal surgery for the pinched nerve may improve the breast pain.
Costochondritis is inflammation of the costal cartilage, which connects the ribs to the breastbone. The condition can cause sharp chest pain and tenderness, and it may have a gradual or sudden onset. The following factors may worsen the pain:
pressure on the chest, such as when wearing a seat beltphysical activitysitting or lying in particular positionsdeep breathing, sneezing, or coughing
Treatment may include:
avoiding activities that worsen the painapplying heat to the areataking one of the following medications:
Tylenol nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil aspirin, if older than 16 yearscorticosteroid injections, such as triamcinolone (Kenalog)
undergoing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a procedure that applies an electric current to an area to reduce pain
A range of conditions can cause pain in the wall of the chest. This pain can sometimes feel as though it is coming from the breast, even though it is not. The pain can vary in extent, ranging from one specific area to a wide area of the breast. A person may experience :
burning or sharp painpain that spreads down the armpain that occurs when someone applies pressure to the chest wallpain that worsens upon movement
Possible causes include:
bruisingfractured ribs gallstones angina autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
The treatment will vary based on the cause, but it may involve pain management and avoiding movements that make the pain worse until the root cause has improved. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They are noncancerous, relatively soft, and more common in premenopausal females.
Some cysts do not produce symptoms, but others may cause pain and nipple discharge. Unless the cysts are particularly large or painful, they do not need treatment. If treatment is necessary, it involves draining the fluid out with a needle. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and begin growing uncontrollably.
Pain in the breast is not usually due to cancer, but this is a possible cause. Other symptoms may include :
a lump in the breastpain in any part of the breastany nipple discharge — bloody, clear, or otherwisedimpling or irritation of breast skinpulling in at the nipple or pain in the nippleflaky, inflamed skin in the nipple areathickening or swelling of part of the breastchange in the shape or size of the breast
Rarely, people can develop inflammatory breast cancer, which causes different symptoms. These include:
a painful, tender, or itchy breastpink, red, or purple discoloration that covers at least one-third of the breastswelling of the skin, making one breast look larger than the otherpitting of the skin, similar to that of orange peela retracted or inverted nipple
The treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and biologic therapy. People will often receive more than one of these treatments. Cyclic pain, which is related to the menstrual cycle, and noncyclic pain have some key differences.
The following table compares and contrasts the two types of pain: If a person has cyclic pain, but the pain is worse in one breast than the other, hormones may not be the only cause. It can help to keep a symptom diary to determine whether pain is cyclic. Alternatively, people can use apps that track menstruation and its associated symptoms to see whether there is a pattern.
In a symptom diary, it can be helpful to assign a numerical value to the pain intensity every day throughout one or more menstrual cycles. If the pain occurs or increases at the same times during each cycle, it may be cyclic. People can share this information with a doctor during an appointment.
wearing a supportive bra that fits welltaking OTC pain medicationslimiting the intake of chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinksapplying hot or cold compresses to the breastsgetting regular exerciseengaging in relaxation methods to reduce stress, anxiety, and tension
It is advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before trying self-care techniques to ensure that they are appropriate. In certain circumstances, medical intervention may be necessary. There are multiple possible causes of breast pain, or mastalgia.
This symptom may be cyclic or noncyclic. If the pain is cyclic, it is related to the fluctuating hormones of the menstrual cycle. Noncyclic breast pain can be due to PMS, fibrocystic breast changes, injuries and sprains, or inflammation around the ribs. Sometimes, cysts or infections are responsible for this symptom.
Although breast cancer is not usually a cause of breast pain, anyone with this symptom should consult a doctor to rule out this condition.