Experiencing pain under the armpit when breathing can be concerning. This discomfort, often described as sharp or aching, can arise from various sources within the chest and shoulder region. While often not serious, understanding its potential origins is important for appropriate action. Causes range from common musculoskeletal issues to less frequent, yet more serious, respiratory or nerve-related problems.
Understanding the Pain’s Origin
Pain under the armpit that intensifies with breathing often points to structures in the chest wall, including muscles, ribs, and cartilage. Muscle strains are a frequent culprit, affecting the intercostal muscles between the ribs or other chest and upper arm muscles used for movement. Such strains can result from overexertion, sudden movements, or strenuous activities like weightlifting. The pain typically worsens with deep breaths, coughing, or specific arm movements, due to overstretched or torn muscle fibers.
Another common musculoskeletal cause is costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. It typically causes sharp, aching, or pressure-like pain, often on the left side of the breastbone, which can radiate to the arms and shoulders. The pain intensifies with deep breaths, coughing, sneezing, or any chest wall movement. Despite its alarming location, costochondritis usually resolves on its own within weeks to months.
Beyond muscle and cartilage issues, conditions affecting the lungs and their lining can also cause armpit pain during breathing. Pleurisy, for instance, is inflammation of the pleura, the thin tissue layers surrounding the lungs. When inflamed, these layers rub, causing sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with inhalation, coughing, or sneezing. This pain may spread to the shoulder or back. Respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis can also lead to pleurisy.
Nerve irritation or compression can also cause discomfort. Intercostal neuralgia is nerve pain in the chest wall from the intercostal nerves beneath the ribs. The pain can be sharp, stabbing, burning, or aching, intensifying with deep breathing, coughing, or torso twisting. Axillary nerve dysfunction, a type of peripheral neuropathy, can also lead to pain or numbness in the armpit region. Thoracic outlet syndrome, involving nerve or blood vessel compression in the lower neck and upper chest, can cause pain in the neck, chest, and arm, sometimes worsening with arm elevation.
Less commonly, other factors might contribute to armpit pain when breathing. Anxiety can induce symptoms like muscle tension, rapid heart rate, and sweating, leading to armpit discomfort. While armpit pain alone is not a classic symptom of a heart attack, heart pain often presents as chest discomfort radiating to the arm or jaw. Some individuals, particularly men, may experience heart attack-related pain radiating to the left arm and under the left armpit. Swollen lymph nodes, often due to infection, can also cause armpit pain, though this pain is not primarily triggered by breathing.
Accompanying Symptoms and Urgency Indicators
Recognizing additional symptoms alongside armpit pain during breathing can help determine the urgency of medical attention. Certain signs suggest a serious condition requiring immediate medical evaluation. These include severe shortness of breath, sudden intense chest pain lasting over 15 minutes, or pain spreading to the arms, back, neck, or jaw. Other concerning symptoms are chest tightness or pressure, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats. A persistent cough with colored phlegm, fever with chills, or unexplained weight loss also necessitate prompt medical consultation.
Conversely, some symptoms might suggest a less urgent cause. Pain localized to the touch, meaning it hurts when pressed, or pain worsening primarily with specific movements rather than generalized breathing, could indicate a musculoskeletal issue. A history of recent injury, such as a muscle strain from physical activity, often points to a more benign origin. If the pain subsides with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, it also suggests a less severe underlying condition.
Seek medical advice if armpit pain when breathing is persistent, severe, or interferes with daily activities. Consult a doctor if the pain does not improve within a week, or if new lumps, swelling, or skin changes appear in the armpit area. For potential emergencies, such as severe, sudden pain with difficulty breathing or radiating pain, contact emergency services immediately.
Diagnostic Process and General Approaches to Relief
When seeking medical help for armpit pain with breathing, a medical evaluation typically begins with a thorough discussion of your medical history. The doctor will ask about the pain’s characteristics, including its onset, duration, intensity, and any factors that worsen or alleviate it. A physical examination will follow, involving listening to the lungs, palpating (gently pressing) the affected area for tenderness or swelling, and assessing shoulder and chest range of motion.
Depending on the suspected cause, the doctor might order diagnostic tests. A chest X-ray can help identify issues within the lungs or ribs, such as pneumonia or rib fractures. Blood tests may check for markers of inflammation or infection. If cardiac concerns are present, an electrocardiogram (EKG) might assess heart function. In some cases, advanced imaging like a CT scan or ultrasound may be used for a clearer view of internal structures.
Once a diagnosis is established, pain management is tailored to the underlying condition. For musculoskeletal causes like muscle strains or costochondritis, approaches include rest and limiting aggravating activities. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Applying heat or cold compresses can also provide relief.
Physical therapy, including specific stretches and breathing exercises, may improve muscle strength and flexibility. For nerve-related pain, topical treatments like capsaicin or lidocaine creams might be suggested. For respiratory infections, treatment focuses on addressing the infection itself, which then alleviates the pleuritic pain.