Injuries, infections, muscular strains, inflammation, and digestive problems may cause right breast pain. Sometimes, it can be a sign of a health issue.
Injury and strain are both the most common causes of pain under the right breast. The pain will usually ease by itself.
But, it could also result from various conditions that affect tissues and organs. In addition, the pain could spread to the right breast from a different body part, like the stomach.
This article focuses on possible reasons for pain in the right breast, the main signs and symptoms, and treatments.
Injury
The ribs and chest region are quite common and can be pretty painful. The location of the injury will determine where the pain is located; the pain could be felt either under or both breasts.
The possible causes of chest injuries are:
- punches or knocks to the chest region
- falls
- extreme coughing
Other indications of an injury could be swelling and bruises. In more severe injuries, they can cause bruises or broken ribs.
Patients who have had surgery for breasts or the chest region may feel discomfort or pain in the breasts or both.
The majority of people can manage mild chest pain at home using rest and a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Muscle tension
The chest muscles can cause soreness and discomfort. Depending on the muscle being stretched, this can happen within a breast only.
The strain on the chest muscle can occur from, for instance, throwing, heavy lifting, and the use of heavy tools or equipment.
Muscle strains typically heal when you rest. OTC painkillers are recommended, and a cold compress on the affected area can help reduce chest pain.
Menstrual cycle
Menstrual hormone fluctuations during the cycle can cause the breasts get swollen and tender.
The tenderness typically occurs around a week before the period. it can affect just one or both of the breasts.
Utilizing OTC painkillers and drinking plenty of fluids can reduce the tenderness of breasts due to menstrual hormonal changes. The symptoms typically disappear before the period ends.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis causes inflammation in the cartilage inside the costochondral joint, which is between the ribs and the sternum. It is also referred to as the breastbone.
The primary symptom of costochondritis is chest pain, which may be present on either or both sides of the chest.
The pain may be sharp or dull and could get worse when taking an inhale or coughing. There is also a feeling of discomfort around the breastbone.
Costochondritis generally does not cause extreme symptoms like breathing problems and fever. However, it can cause dizziness, headaches, or nausea.
Costochondritis usually improves by itself but can last for a few weeks.
Gallstones
The gallbladder is a tiny organ located on the right side of the body. It stores bile derived from the liver. If the bile contains excessive cholesterol or bilirubin or the gallbladder is unable to drain properly, gallstones may develop.
Most gallstones are cleared without causing issues. However, gallstones that block bile flow within the bile ducts may cause inflammation and pain.
The episodes of pain that result from these blockages are known as gallbladder colic or biliary attacks.
The ache resulting from a gallbladder attack is typically felt in the abdomen's upper right and lasts several hours.
Hiatal hernia
Hiatal hernias occur when a portion of the stomach moves up the hiatus, opening within the diaphragm. The diaphragm is a substantial thin muscle that divides the chest abdominal cavity from the chest.
Hiatal hernias don't always produce noticeable symptoms, however they can raise a person's chance of suffering from gastroesophageal resuscitation disorder (GERD). Examples of symptoms include:
- chest pain
- heartburn
- issues eating
- breathlessness
- nausea and vomiting
Pleural disorders
The pleurae are massive, thin membranes that are folded over to create two layers. One layer wraps around the lung, and the other is a liner that runs along the interior and outside of the chest cavity. The space between the two layers is referred to as the Pleural Space.
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura. It may result in the layers rubbing against one another. The friction could cause intense chest pain while you cough or breathe deeply.
In a variety of pleural diseases and conditions, air, gas, blood, or fluid accumulate in the pleural space, causing intense chest pain.
Other signs of pleural disorders are:
- coughing
- breathiness
- fatigue
- chest tightness
Treatment for a pleural problem depends on the causes and the extent of a person's symptoms.
If a bacterial infection is causing the issue, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics. They can also suggest anti-inflammatory medication or painkillers to ease discomfort.
Some patients require an intervention to remove gas or fluids from the space between the pleural.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation that causes infection of the air sacs that line the lungs. It causes them to become filled with fluid.
It could cause various symptoms, including sharp chest pain, which worsens by deep breathing or coughing.
Other signs of pneumonia include:
- Chills and fever
- A persistent cough that can produce yellow, green bloody mucus
- an appetite loss
- tiredness and low energy levels
- confusion
- nausea
- breathing difficulties, including shortness of breath and other breathing problems
The early signs of pneumonia can be similar to common colds or flu. They can appear quickly or gradually increase in severity over a few days. The symptoms may range from mild to extreme.
The most commonly cited cause of pneumonia is a bacterial illness; however, it may also be caused by fungal or viral illnesses.
When should you consult a doctor?
Consult a physician when the pain in the right breast becomes more severe and persists or affects your daily routine. Also, consult a doctor if the pain is associated with other signs that indicate a problem.
Specific symptoms that require immediate medical care are:
- acute, sharp chest pain, sudden or severe
- chest pain that can radiate into other areas in the body like the arms, jaws, or shoulders
- a blueish tint on the lips or the skin
- trouble breathing
- It is coughing up blood.
- Dizziness, confusion, and loss of awareness
Summary
The right breast pain is not a cause of anxiety and usually results from muscle strains or injuries that are minor.
It could also indicate an even more serious issue, such as chest inflammation, infection, or digestive issues.
It is advisable to speak with an expert when the pain becomes more severe and persists or is associated with other concerning symptoms. Get medical attention immediately for intense chest pain or pain that is accompanied by breathing problems.
