Pain under the right breast: causes and treatment

Breast pain is one of the most common breast symptoms, so it has become a frequent reason for consultation with the hematologist.

This breast pain can be specific and can occur under the right breast. It is not usually a sign of seriousness. On the contrary, it is a warning that something is happening in the breast tissue or its surroundings warrants a medical review.

The causes that can generate pain under the right breast can vary from sensitivity in the breast tissue or hormonal changes to intestinal disorders or respiratory problems, such as pneumonia pleurisy, among other diseases.

In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the causes of pain under the right breast and its treatments.

Stroke or trauma

Trauma to the chest or ribs can cause:

• Chest pain: in women, under the right or left breast, depending on the side of the injury.
• Swelling.
• Hematoma.
• Rib fractures depend on the severity of the damage.

Treatment

In these cases, the ideal is to rest at home take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen. You can also apply ice to the affected area for about 20 minutes.

Remember that if it is a severe injury, it is best to consult your doctor.

Muscle contracture

The voltage or prolonged stretching of the chest muscles can cause as much pain as discomfort in one or both breasts. This condition is common after handling heavy objects.

Treatment

To treat muscle contracture, you must:

• To take a break.
• Take analgesics.
• Apply heat to the affected area.

In the following article, you can learn more about muscle contracture types, causes, and treatment.

Menstrual cycle

The hormonal changes that women are subjected to during the menstrual cycle may trigger increased breast tenderness or inflammation. These symptoms often appear a week before the menstrual period and can affect one or both breasts.

Treatment

To alleviate these symptoms, you will require pain relievers and anti-inflammatories and drinking plenty of water, which will help reduce the sensitivity of the breasts during the menstrual period due to hormonal changes.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis is the inflammation of the costochondral joint, the joint between the ribs and sternum. What characterizes this alteration is chest pain that can occur on one or both sides. It can be located under the right breast in women, depending on the injury.

This pain can be sharp and worse with deep breathing or coughing.

Treatment

Often, this condition improves on its own. However, it tends to last for a few weeks. To relieve inflammation, in addition to pain, follow these recommendations:

• Avoid activities where you feel pressure in the chest area.
• Apply warm compresses to the injury site.
• The doctor will recommend anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAID steroids such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen.

In case of not feeling relief, the specialist will suggest injected steroids and even physical therapy.

Hiatal hernia

The hiatal hernia occurs when the top of the stomach moves the top through an opening in the diaphragm. This is a muscle that divides the chest from the abdominal cavity.

Hiatal hernia is painless, but it does increase your risk of:

• Gastroesophageal reflux.
• Acidity.
• Chest pain.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing.

Treatment

Treatment will be indicated if the hiatal hernia is symptomatic. If you have gastroesophageal reflux, keep these indications in mind:

• A healthy diet that does not include foods that cause heartburn. It is also advisable to eat several times a day in small amounts and avoid large meals.
• Avoid lying down right after eating.
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
• Avoid tobacco.

The doctor will prescribe medications that reduce heartburn:

• Antacids
• H2 receptor blockers.

If the above does not improve the symptoms, your doctor will recommend correcting the hiatal hernia through surgery.

Gallstones

The presence of stones in the gallbladder can block bile flow, causing inflammation of the gallbladder. Generally, it presents with pain in the stomach or on the right side of the chest.

If the ailment lasts more than a few hours, it can be complicated to the point of causing:

• Fever.
• Nausea or vomiting

Treatment

People with diseases at the gallbladder level should be under medical supervision. If this is your case, you should follow the indications of your treating doctor, especially if symptoms persist, as he will surely recommend removing the gallbladder through surgery to reduce the risk of complications.

Irritable bowel syndrome

This syndrome generates gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the signs accompanying this condition can vary from one person to another. Some of them are:

• Gases.
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Swelling.
• Referred pain in the right side of the chest that the woman places under the breast.

Treatment

If this is your case, your doctor will recommend:

• Diet changes: eat foods rich in fiber and avoid those with a high content of gases.
• Daily practice of exercise.
• Decrease stress.
• Get enough sleep.
• The doctor may order some medications to control pain, constipation, or diarrhea.

Pleuresia

Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, a large, thin membrane that folds to form 2 layers: one envelops the lungs, and the other lines the chest cavity. The space that is included between the two is called the pleural space.

When there is inflammation, the friction of the layers occurs, which ends up causing pain in the chest when coughing or deep breathing, reflecting under the right breast.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the symptoms. If it is the product of a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics, in addition to anti-inflammatory or analgesic medications to reduce symptoms.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infectious process that occurs in the lungs. Among the symptoms that characterize it are:

• Fever.
• Shaking chills.
• Cough accompanied by yellow-green or bloody mucus.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain on the side of the condition.

Treatment

A doctor must indicate the treatment of pneumonia since it can generate complications that put the patient’s life at risk.

Therapy will depend on the type of pneumonia and the severity of the symptoms you present.

In cases of bacterial pneumonia, the prescription of antibiotics is required. If it is viral pneumonia, antiviral drugs are indicated.

When you have mild pneumonia, it can be treated at home following the recommendations of your doctor:

• Rest.
• Increase your fluid intake.
• Oral antibiotic therapy or antivirals depending on the indication.
• Analgesics.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any kind of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Pain under the right breast: causes and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, Joints, and Muscles.