Pain under the right breast when breathing is a common symptom that can arise from various sources. While often benign, it can also signal more serious underlying conditions. This article explores common causes, ranging from musculoskeletal issues to digestive and respiratory conditions, providing a clearer picture of this specific type of pain.
Common Musculoskeletal Reasons
Pain under the right breast that worsens with breathing can frequently originate from the muscles, bones, and cartilage of the chest wall.
Intercostal muscle strain, an injury to the muscles located between the ribs, is a common culprit. This strain often causes sharp, direct pain, aggravated by deep breathing, coughing, or twisting movements. Such strains might result from sudden physical exertion, trauma, or repetitive actions, and typically heal over weeks to months.
Another musculoskeletal cause is costochondritis, which involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. Individuals with costochondritis often experience sharp pain in the front or side of their chest, intensifying with movement, deep breaths, or when pressure is applied. Costochondritis usually resolves on its own without specific medical intervention.
Rib injuries or fractures also commonly lead to significant pain under the right breast, particularly when inhaling. These injuries, often caused by direct trauma or severe coughing, can produce swelling, bruising, and tenderness. The pain can persist for several weeks, making deep breathing and movement uncomfortable.
Digestive System Related Causes
The digestive system can also contribute to pain felt under the right breast, particularly when breathing, due to the proximity of several organs.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. This irritation can manifest as chest pain, sometimes perceived as a squeezing pressure or burning sensation. The discomfort from GERD may worsen when bending over or lying down and often improves when sitting or standing upright.
Gallbladder issues, such as gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis), are frequent sources of pain in the upper right abdomen that can radiate to the chest. This pain is sudden and sharp, often spreading towards the right shoulder or back. It commonly intensifies after consuming fatty meals and can be persistent, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Conditions affecting the liver may also cause discomfort in this region. Liver pain can present as a dull ache or throbbing sensation, which might sometimes radiate to the right shoulder or back. While less common, liver inflammation or enlargement can lead to a feeling of fullness or tenderness under the right rib cage. Associated symptoms might include fatigue, nausea, or yellow-tinged skin.
Lung and Airway Conditions
Respiratory issues can be a direct cause of pain under the right breast that is exacerbated by breathing.
Pleurisy, an inflammation of the pleura—the thin membranes surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity—is a notable example. This condition causes a sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep inhalation, coughing, or sneezing, and can sometimes extend to the shoulder or back. Viral or bacterial infections are common causes of pleurisy, often leading individuals to take shallow breaths to minimize discomfort.
Infections within the lungs, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, can also lead to pain in the chest area. Pneumonia, a lung infection that causes the air sacs to fill with fluid, can result in localized pain. Bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can also contribute to chest discomfort. Both conditions are often accompanied by a cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
A pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, represents a more serious, though less common, respiratory cause. This occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, creating pressure that causes the lung to partially or fully collapse. Symptoms include sudden, sharp chest pain on one side, significant shortness of breath, and a rapid heart rate. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many instances of pain under the right breast when breathing may stem from minor issues, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Seek immediate attention if the pain is severe, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Other concerning signs include dizziness, excessive sweating, or pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, neck, or back.
A fever, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or yellowing of the skin or eyes are additional symptoms that suggest a need for urgent medical assessment. These indicators can point towards infections, inflammation, or other conditions that require timely diagnosis and intervention. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for obtaining a precise diagnosis and ensuring proper treatment, especially if symptoms are persistent or accompanied by any of these concerning signs.